Chidimma Adetshina, recently crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has shared her emotional experience of feeling unaccepted by South Africans during the Miss South Africa pageant. In a heartfelt interview with Silverbird Television, Adetshina discussed the challenges she faced due to her Nigerian name and heritage, which she believes contributed to her difficulties in South Africa.
Adetshina, who has lived in South Africa for 23 years, described feeling heartbroken and excluded because of her name, Chidimma, and the perception that she was not “South African enough.” She recalled the emotional toll it took on her, saying, “It was a very heartbreaking and horrible experience, and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”
The situation was exacerbated by allegations from the South African Home Office, which led to her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition. Adetshina faced severe backlash and scrutiny, which ultimately forced her to step back from the contest.
Despite these challenges, Adetshina found support and acceptance upon returning to Nigeria, where she was welcomed by the Miss Universe Nigeria organizers. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and win the title, and reaffirmed her pride in both her Nigerian and South African heritage.
Adetshina’s story highlights the difficulties of navigating identity and acceptance in different cultural contexts, even for those with deep connections to multiple nations.