Chidinma Adetshina has made history as the first Nigerian to secure the Miss Universe pageant’s first-runner-up position.
The finale, held last night at the Arena CDMX in Mexico, saw Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, emerge as the crown winner, with Adetshina finishing second. The 21-year-old also made history as the first Miss Denmark to win the coveted crown.
Adetshina also received the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania as the highest-placing African at the contest.
Chidinma’s road to the Miss Universe has been nothing short of controversial. Previously contesting for the Miss South Africa pageant, she was forced to withdraw due to online criticism following allegations of identity theft and fraud.
Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in on social media following her historic runner-up win and achievements.
See some tweets below
Relocking my hair and going through X to see the News about Chidinma coming second. I told my loctician about the adversity Chidinma had to face and her resilience and grace.
My loctician said ‘ If not for our government, Nigerians no dey carry last normally’
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) November 17, 2024
Congratulations to Chidinma. You’re proof that the more they try to squash you, the more your success blows up in their faces #MissUniverse
— Dr. Chinonso Egemba (@aproko_doctor) November 17, 2024
Chidinma really went through hell, but look at how destiny played out.
You can never stop a star from shining no matter how hard you try.
— ‘Tunde Omotoye (@TundeTASH) November 17, 2024
So proud of a Chidinma – congratulations on being 1st runner up Miss Universe. What an example of resilience in the face of adversity ❤️👏🏽👏🏽🙏
— Gesare Chife (@gechife) November 17, 2024
I’m so proud of Chidinma Adetshina! That’s how you rise, when rocks are thrown at you keep stepping on them and you go higher! Eyes on the prize 👸 a true Queen!
— Erica Nlewedim⭐️ (@EricaNlewedim) November 17, 2024
You know the Universe thought:
Why raise one giant middle finger when I can raise two?
She was bullied, trash-talked, maligned and vilified only to finally make her mark on a global stage 🇳🇬
Congratulations Chidinma, as I hope South Africans are having an unfortunate morning. //t.co/PESD9rgWL8 pic.twitter.com/Y5493nQ1cz
— 👑S.A.L.A.K.O🕊 (@UnkleAyo) November 17, 2024
In the eyes of every true African, Chidinma won. Her story is one of providence, destiny and tenacity. South Africans tried to sabotage her, but God used it to announce her. Look at her! Absolutely an inspiration that adversity can be a tool for popularity. Congrats to Africans… pic.twitter.com/ymDNnIZ4nG
— Solomon Buchi (@Solomon_Buchi) November 17, 2024
From being mobbed online and ridiculed by South Africans to coming 2nd on the global stage beating 123 other countries, Chidinma Adetshina is the purest definition of resilience right now.
The win is even sweeter when you realize South Africa didn’t make the top 5. Congrats Chi! pic.twitter.com/O97kEwC042
— Dr. Olawale Ogunlana (@olawalesmd) November 17, 2024
ALSO READ: Meet The 18 African Beauty Queens Competing At The Miss Universe 2024