Sun. Feb 9th, 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Chidimma Adetshina, the 23-year-old pageant hopeful who recently withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition amid a nationality dispute, has been invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria. The development marks a new chapter in her pageantry journey.

In a video posted to her Instagram account, Adetshina expressed her excitement and anticipation about the opportunity. “I’m looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant,” she said with a beaming smile.

Adetshina’s departure from Miss South Africa came after a contentious debate over her eligibility. Despite being a South African citizen, her mixed heritage—her father is Nigerian and her mother has Mozambican roots—led to accusations of xenophobia and raised questions about her nationality. The Home Affairs Department of South Africa investigated her case following a request from the Miss South Africa organizers, revealing concerns that Adetshina’s mother might have engaged in “identity fraud” to secure South African nationality for her family.

Faced with these challenges and concerns for her family’s safety, Adetshina made the “difficult decision” to withdraw from the competition last Thursday. In response, Miss Universe Nigeria extended an invitation to Adetshina, offering her a chance to compete in their prestigious pageant. The organization praised her resilience and noted that her “journey in the world of pageantry is far from over.”

The Miss Universe Nigeria competition will provide Adetshina an opportunity to represent her father’s native country on an international stage. The winner of Miss Universe Nigeria will go on to compete in the Miss Universe competition, scheduled for November.

The South African Home Affairs Department continues to investigate the allegations surrounding Adetshina’s citizenship, with potential criminal charges and legal implications still being considered.

The Miss South Africa pageant took place last Saturday, with Mia le Roux emerging as the winner. Le Roux made history as the first deaf woman to win the title. Should Adetshina secure the Miss Universe Nigeria crown, she will have the chance to face off against Le Roux at the Miss Universe competition later this year.

As Chidimma Adetshina prepares for her new role, all eyes will be on her journey through the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and beyond.

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