As the glittering Miss Universe pageant approaches, Nigeria’s representative, Chidinma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, has opened up about the intense mental and emotional struggles she has endured to reach this moment. The 25-year-old beauty queen, who will walk the Miss Universe stage on November 16, shared her emotional journey in a heartfelt social media video, expressing the highs and lows of chasing her lifelong dream.
“My mind says I’m tired, I can’t do it anymore, but my heart is saying don’t give up,” Adetshina said in the video, reflecting on the grueling journey that almost forced her to abandon her dream. “This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma.”
Born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, Adetshina’s journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Earlier this year, she faced a public challenge to her eligibility in the Miss South Africa contest, sparking intense debate over her dual heritage and eventually prompting her shift to represent Nigeria. This decision led her to the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she proudly won the crown representing Taraba State.
A Dream Seven Years in the Making
Adetshina’s Miss Universe dream took root in 2017, and after seven years of perseverance, she now stands ready to step onto one of the world’s biggest stages. “Win or not, I am so proud of myself,” she shared. “This achievement is not only mine but it’s for Nigeria, it’s for Africa. Your support and encouragement have been the fuel to my fire.”
Despite the exhaustion, she remains resolute in her pursuit of the crown, seeing this journey as a testament to resilience. She shared her gratitude for the support from family, friends, and fans across Africa, which she says has helped her overcome each obstacle, filling her with “joy and fulfillment.”
As she prepares for the Miss Universe stage in Mexico, Adetshina has been providing her followers with glimpses of her journey—from glamorous photoshoots to behind-the-scenes preparations, building anticipation for her debut.
