A former Miss South Africa contestant hounded over a nationality row was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday, capping a difficult few weeks for the beauty queen. Born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, 23-year-old Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the country’s competition “for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I” after a backlash that exposed anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.

“This journey has been a tough journey for me and I am so proud of myself and I’m really grateful for the love and the support,” Adetshina told AFP minutes after being crowned in Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos. “This is something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m really glad that I have a second shot as well at achieving it,” Adetshina said.

Chidimma Adetshina, the winner of the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, reacts during the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

Top 10 finalist, Nyekachi Douglas (center), representing Rivers, poses in her evening gown.

Top 10 finalist, Ufa Dania (center), representing Kwara, poses in her evening gown.

Paula Ezendu (second right), who represented Ananmbra, receives a cheque during the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

Chidinma Adetshina, winner of the Miss Universe Nigeria, poses in her evening gown.

Ufa Dania, representing Kwara state, poses on the stage during the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

Peace Ayegbidun, representing Kwara state, walks on on the catwalk.

Uchechi Uchenna, one of the contestant representing Enugu, poses in er evening gown.

Edeifo Aikhuele, one of the contestant representing Edo, poses in her evening gown.

A general view of the contestants in their evening gowns at the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

Her Nigerian heritage attracted vicious xenophobic attacks and sparked controversy when she was announced as a Miss South Africa finalist in July, while the government said it was investigating a claim that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman. Despite not being in the country in 20 years, organizers of the Nigerian contest invited her to join their final, saying it was a chance for her to “represent your father’s native land on an international stage”.

“We all need to stop with the xenophobia... with the tribalism,” first runner-up Paula Ezendu told AFP. “We’re all one family. We’re all human beings,” she added. The nationality controversy notwithstanding, Adetshina insisted she loved South Arica and was grateful for the support from the country. She will represent Nigeria at the international Miss Universe competition in November. “I know we are going to win,” she told reporters. — AFP