Chidimma Adetshina, who recently withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition amid a nationality dispute, has been invited to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria. The 23-year-old contestant announced her new pageant venture with enthusiasm in a video shared on her Instagram account, expressing her excitement to join “Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant.”

Adetshina’s departure from the Miss South Africa competition was precipitated by a controversy over her eligibility. Although she holds South African citizenship, questions arose about her background due to her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother. The controversy led to accusations of potential identity fraud regarding her mother’s South African nationality.

Following an investigation by South Africa’s Home Affairs department, which was initiated at the request of the Miss South Africa organisers, Adetshina faced scrutiny over the legitimacy of her citizenship. The department’s probe suggested that her mother might have engaged in “identity fraud” to secure South African nationality.

In light of these issues and concerns for her family’s safety, Adetshina made the “difficult decision” to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition last Thursday. Subsequently, Miss Universe Nigeria extended an invitation for her to participate in their pageant, emphasizing that her “journey in the world of pageantry is far from over” and offering her the opportunity to “represent her father’s native land on the international stage.”

It remains uncertain whether Adetshina holds Nigerian citizenship. The winner of Miss Universe Nigeria will earn the chance to represent the country at the global Miss Universe competition.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Home Affairs department continues to investigate the case, seeking legal advice on the potential impact of the alleged fraudulent activities on Adetshina’s citizenship status. The Miss South Africa competition, held last Saturday, saw Mia le Roux crowned as the winner, making history as the first deaf contestant to claim the title.

Should Adetshina secure the Miss Universe Nigeria crown, she will compete against le Roux in the Miss Universe pageant scheduled for November.