Editor’s note — August 20, 2026: This article reflected information available at the time of publication. Subsequent action by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has placed Chidimma Adetshina’s legal status in dispute. Adetshina is challenging the department’s decisions in the Western Cape High Court and maintains that she was born in South Africa and is entitled to have her status determined through the legal process. On August 19, 2026, the Cape Town Regional Court postponed proceedings concerning her detention pending deportation until February 27, 2027 while the High Court review remains unresolved. Africa Briefing’s subsequent coverage reflects these developments.
CHIDIMMA Adetshina, a 23-year-old with a unique heritage, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria after a controversial bid to compete in Miss South Africa last month. Born to a Nigerian father and South African mother, Adetshina found herself at the centre of a heated debate in South Africa due to her dual roots and citizenship.
Adetshina, who holds South African citizenship, faced backlash from some South Africans, including a government minister, who opposed her participation in Miss South Africa because of her Nigerian heritage. The uproar ultimately led her to withdraw from the competition.
Now, Adetshina has made a triumphant return to the pageant world, winning the Miss Universe Nigeria title. Overwhelmed with joy, she addressed the audience, saying, ‘This crown is not just a symbol of beauty; it represents unity. I am proud and grateful to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe, and I believe we will bring the crown home.’
Her story has highlighted the broader issue of xenophobia that Nigerians often face in South Africa, where tensions have sometimes escalated into violence and attacks against Nigerian-owned businesses.
Adetshina will proudly represent Nigeria on the global stage at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this November, turning the page on a contentious chapter and looking ahead to a future of unity and pride.
