As she prepares to represent Nigeria on the global stage in the Miss Universe competition next week in Mexico, Chidinma Adetshina, a Nigerian-South African beauty queen, has spoken out about the challenges she’s faced on her journey.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Adetshina expressed her emotional exhaustion, saying, “My mind says I’m tired, I can’t do it anymore, but my heart is saying don’t give up.”
Her journey to Miss Universe has been filled with emotional highs and lows. Earlier this year, Adetshina faced backlash and scrutiny over her South African identity when she made it to the Miss South Africa pageant finals.
Questions were raised about her eligibility due to her mixed Nigerian and Mozambican heritage, leading to a public controversy that intensified her struggles.
Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma. The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving. However, I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.”
Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina later entered the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and emerged as the winner, representing Taraba State. She’s now set to fulfill her lifelong dream of competing in Miss Universe, a goal she has held since 2017.
“Seven years later, I, Chidinma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, will be walking the Miss Universe stage. Win or not, I am so proud of myself. This achievement is not only mine but it’s for Nigeria, it’s for Africa,” she said, thanking her supporters whose encouragement, she says, has kept her going.
As she gets ready to take the stage on November 16 in Mexico, Adetshina has been sharing updates on social media, including behind-the-scenes moments and glimpses of her preparations, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of her dream.
