Chidimma Adetshina, the pageant hopeful forced to withdraw from Miss South Africa due to a nationality dispute, has accepted an invitation to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria.
In a video posted on her Instagram account, the 23-year-old expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity. “I’m looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant,” she said with a beaming smile.
Adetshina’s journey in the Miss South Africa competition was cut short after she faced a xenophobic backlash due to her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother. Despite being a South African citizen, her eligibility was questioned, leading to an investigation by the Home Affairs department.
The department alleged that Adetshina’s mother may have committed “identity fraud” to obtain South African nationality, prompting Adetshina to withdraw from the competition for her family’s safety and well-being.
Miss Universe Nigeria has now offered Adetshina a platform to represent her father’s native land on the international stage. It is unclear if Adetshina holds Nigerian nationality.
The winner of Miss Universe Nigeria will represent the country at the Miss Universe competition, potentially setting up a showdown with Miss South Africa winner Mia le Roux in November.
The South African Home Affairs department continues to investigate Adetshina’s citizenship status, with potential criminal charges pending.
