Nigerians Saved Me : Chidinma Adetshina Opens Up After Stellar Miss Universe Run
The success story we all needed
- written by Eavesdroppr's
- 2 min read
- 17 Nov, 2024
Nigerian beauty queen Chidinma Adetshina has shared an emotional story of resilience and gratitude following her impressive performance at the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant in Mexico. Adetshina, who emerged as the first runner-up behind Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer, credited Nigerians for saving her life during one of her darkest moments.
In a heartfelt statement, she revealed how the unwavering support of her fellow countrymen helped her overcome an identity crisis and a battle with suicidal thoughts while facing challenges in South Africa.
Adetshina’s struggles began earlier this year when she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant amidst allegations about her identity. South African authorities claimed that her documentation indicated she was of Nigerian descent with a Mozambican mother, despite being born in South Africa. The controversy led to accusations of forgery against her mother and forced Adetshina to step down from the competition, where she was considered a front-runner.
The fallout was devastating. “I was ready to give up on my life,” Adetshina admitted. But instead of breaking under the pressure, she found strength in the outpouring of support from Nigerians. “You became my strength,” she said in gratitude, emphasizing how her compatriots stood by her during her lowest moments.
Following the controversy, Adetshina returned to Nigeria and entered the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, where she triumphed. Representing Nigeria on the global stage in Mexico, she shone brightly, securing the second position—a historic achievement that solidified her as a national icon.
Speaking after the pageant, Adetshina expressed her profound appreciation to Nigerians. “To Nigeria: THANK YOU is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. I’ve never opened up much, but I was ready to give up on my life. On days I never wanted to fight, you gave me the strength to keep going. I’m so grateful to everyone for walking this journey with me.”
Her story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.
Adetshina’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From stepping down amidst controversy in South Africa to making history as the first runner-up at Miss Universe, she has shown incredible grace under pressure. Her courage and determination have resonated with many, proving that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope.
Her achievement not only puts Nigeria in the spotlight on a global stage but also underscores the importance of standing together as a nation during tough times.