Former Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 winner and Miss Universe 2024 first runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina, has spoken out regarding her experiences in South Africa, claiming she was unfairly targeted and made an example of during her nationality dispute.

Speaking to the media on her ordeal, Adetshina emphasized that despite the public backlash and scrutiny she faced, her response remains grounded in respect for legal processes rather than bitterness.

"I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted in South Africa, and there has been an attempt to make me an example. But my message is not borne out of anger. South Africa is governed by the rule of law, and we should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated," Adetshina stated.

She added that she has made herself availble to the legal system and is hopeful that the system will favour her.

The controversy began when Adetshina entered the Miss South Africa pageant. Her participation sparked intense public debate and online xenophobic backlash over her eligibility, given her mixed heritage, born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent.

The political and social tension escalated when South Africa's Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation into her mother's citizen

ship status, alleging potential identity theft involved in her registration. To protect her safety and mental well-being, Adetshina officially withdrew from the Miss South Africa contest.

Following her withdrawal, the Miss Universe Nigeria organization extended an invitation for her to compete in their national pageant.

Adetshina accepted, went on to win the Miss Universe Nigeria crown, and subsequently represented the country at the global Miss Universe pageant, where she achieved a historic finish as the first runner-up.

Chidimma Adetshina has decried alleged unfair treatment in South Africa amid a legal battle over her citizenship and possible deportation.

The Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 winner said she was born in South Africa, followed due legal processes and remained confident in the… pic.twitter.com/g9N6wm9zWc

— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) August 20, 2026