- The 73rd Miss Universe 2024 was held on Sunday, November 17, featuring beauty queens from around the world
- Nigerian contestant Chidinma Adetshina made history as the 1st runner-up
- Her historic feat surpassed that of renowned model Agbani Darego, who only made the top 10 in 2001
At the recently concluded 73rd Miss Universe 2024, Nigerian-born South African model Chidinma Adetshina made Nigeria proud by emerging as the first runner-up.
The Miss Universe Nigeria beauty queen broke history by emerging as an African model and winning the first-ever first-runner-up spot.
Prior to her recent win, Chidinma came in second place on World Hot Picks on November 4. She also made the top 12, top 5, and top 2 finalists, all leading to her record-breaking moment.
Denmark’s Victoria Theilvig was crowned the Miss Universe 2024, triumphing over 124 contestants in the 3-hour pageant in Mexico. Victoria’s win marks Denmark's first-ever win, while Chidinma’s win marks Nigeria’s first-ever win in the 1st runner-up category.
Chidinma, who has been the subject of several controversies, was announced as the first runner at the Miss Universe 2024 grand finale, which was live-streamed in Mexico on Sunday, November 17.
Responding to a question before she was announced the first runner-up, she sent a powerful message to those watching her compete on the global stage.
“As a woman who has faced adversity, I feel like I have a powerful story, I don't stand here as CHIDINMA, I stand here as a symbol of hope, a beacon of faith, as someone who has persevered with grace, I believe I have fought for not only myself but for AFRICA,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chidinma’s record-breaking win surpassed that of Nigeria’s renowned model, Agbani Darego, who held Nigeria's Miss Universe record with a top-10 finish in 2001. However, Agbani won Miss World later that year, becoming the first and only African to hold the position to this day.
Chidinma accepts Miss Universe Nigeria’s invitation following Miss South Africa saga
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Nigerian-born South African Chidinma Adetshina accepted the invitation of organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria to participate in the 2024 edition of the pageant.
Chidinma had recently withdrawn from the finals of the 2024 Miss South Africa competition after a controversial investigation report about her true nationality surfaced.
In a short video clip posted on August 14 by the Silverbird Group founder, Ben Murray-Bruce, she expressed her gratitude to the Miss Universe Nigeria Organisers.
