Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina has emerged as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe competition held in Mexico City.
The grand finale, which took place early Sunday morning at Arena CDMX, saw an intense face-off between Nigeria and Denmark as the two finalists anxiously awaited the announcement of the winner.
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The competition, known for showcasing the talent, intelligence, and elegance of women globally, was regarded as one of the most captivating in recent years.
In a post shared on Instagram, the event’s organizers highlighted the suspenseful moment, stating: “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.”
Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, was eventually crowned Miss Universe 2024, taking over from Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the previous titleholder.
Although she did not win the crown, Adetshina received praise from both the judges and the audience for her outstanding performance, charm, and poise throughout the event.
Adetshina’s path to the Miss Universe stage was marked by challenges. Earlier this year, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest after advancing to the finals. Her decision was influenced by debates over her eligibility, as some South Africans questioned her nationality.
However, Adetshina remained undeterred and went on to represent Taraba State at the national level, where she clinched the Miss Universe Nigeria title, securing her place on the global stage.
Her remarkable achievement recalls the legacy of Nigeria’s Agbani Darego, who made history on November 16, 2001, as the first Black African woman to win the Miss World title at the age of 18.
