Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina Emerges First Runner-up At Miss Universe 2024

Newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina has had a remarkable and hostoric outing by becoming the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant.

The grand finale of the Miss Universe 2024 beauty pageant ended in Mexico City on Sunday morning with Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig emerging as the winner.

Theilvig defeated Adetocina in the final, and contestants from Bolivia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Russia, Chile, Thailand, Canada and Peru also advanced to the top 12.

The trip to the top of Chidimma was noteworthy. She impressed the judges and the audience with her thoughtful answers on diversity and respect for humans.

Initially, she made it to the top 30 finalists, gradually rising to the top 5 candidates and eventually securing the top 2 spots along with Theilvig.

However, the Tailvig took over the crown from Miss Universe 2023’s Shaynis Palacios of Nicaragua.

Chidinma’s feat means she is the first Nigerian woman to take the second spot — following in the footsteps of Agbani Darego, who competed in Miss Universe 2001.

Darego was the first Nigerian to be named as a top 10 semi-finalist, finishing 7th overall.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe was not without controversy. Born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, she faced criticism and withdrew from the Miss South African pageant because of her nationality.

However, the Silverbird Group, the organizer of Miss Universe Nigeria, invited her and was named the pageant winner.

Didactic Information Hut recalls that Chidimma had revealed that she waited seven years to be able to participate in the Miss Universe Pageant.

“Win or not I am so proud of myself and filled with so much joy and fulfilment for I am about to accomplish what once seemed impossible. I envisioned this moment and I’m about to make it a reality,” she had said.

“This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma. The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving, however I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.

“This achievement is not just mine but it’s for NIGERIA, it’s for AFRICA. Your support and encouragement has been the fuel to my fire.”