Chidimma Adetshina, the newly-crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has addressed criticisms suggesting that her victory was based on sympathy rather than merit.

During an interview with Arise News on Friday, she firmly dismissed these claims, emphasizing that her hard work and dedication led to her success in the prestigious pageant.

Adetshina explained that while some might perceive her win as a “pity victory,” she does not share that sentiment.

She underscored the intense preparation and challenges she faced, which began even before the Nigerian competition.

“A lot of people felt like it was a pity win. I don’t think so,” she said. “I feel like I worked hard, especially considering my South African journey.

We spent nearly 10 weeks in camp, going through the entire process.”

Reflecting on her experience, Adetshina acknowledged that while her path may have been somewhat different from that of her fellow contestants, the effort and perseverance she put in were no less significant.

“It might have been a slight difference compared to everybody else, but if you look at the journey we’ve all been through, I feel like I had the same experience as the other contestants,” she added.

Her journey to the crown, however, has not been without its hurdles.

In August 2024, Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant following allegations of fraud and identity theft, which were linked to her mother.

These allegations sparked a xenophobic backlash against her in South Africa, further complicating her participation in the competition.

Despite the controversy, Adetshina remained undeterred.

After facing rejection and hostility over her Nigerian heritage, she accepted an invitation to join the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, a decision that eventually paved the way for her crowning victory.

Her resilience in the face of adversity and her ability to overcome personal challenges have been key factors in her success.

As she prepares for the next stage of her journey on the global stage, Adetshina continues to stand firm in her belief that her win was well-earned, not the result of external factors.