Miss-ed, South Africa? Chidinma Adetshina To Participate in Miss Universe Nigeria

Former Miss South Africa contestant, 23-year-old Chidinma Adetshina, has accepted an invitation to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant.

Adetshina contested in this year’s Miss South Africa but withdrew from the pageant after a wave of online xenophobic backlash.

“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I,” Chidinma had stated.

Many, including South African music star, Tyla, condemned the xenophobic backlash targeted at the 23-yaer-old model, who has a Nigerian heritage.

“I will always stand with South Africa, i just feel regardless of the opinions… She was bullied and that’s what I don’t stand for,” Tyla had posted on her X account on August 10.

However, South Africa’s miss seems to be Nigeria’s gain.

Recently, in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday by the Founder, Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, Adetshina – who has a Nigerian father – announced her decision to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.

“I have received an invitation from the Silverbird group, who are the organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria Beauty Pageant. I say this with great excitement because I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 Beauty Pageant,” she said, while also expressing her gratitude “to the incredible people who have shown me so much love and so much support.”

She added, “I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title, and I am so excited to embark on this journey. I am looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria.”

“We welcome Miss Chidinma Adetshina to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant,” Murray-Bruce captioned the video.