Chidimma Adetshina, winner of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, has opened up on her recent ordeal in South Africa.

Recall that the 23-year-old law student came to Nigeria after accepting to participate in the competition following her controversial withdrawal from Miss South Africa 2024 due to xenophobic backlash over her nationality.

Born to a Nigerian father, and a Mozambique mother, she was raised in Soweto.

Speaking in an interview with Silverbird TV, Adetshina said she was rejected by South Africans because of her name.

She said: “It all started because of my name. People were not happy that my name is Chidimma and I am representing South Africa.

“South Africans felt like I wasn’t South African enough because of my name. It was really sad to see and it was a very horrible experience that I wouldn’t wish on anybody.

“I have lived there for 23 years and it’s heartbreaking to see that I wasn’t welcomed and accepted. There were certain things that happened behind the scenes that made me withdraw. It was heartbreaking that I had to withdraw close to the finale but a decision had to be made and it hit social media as well.

“But what I know is that I was born in South Africa and I am a South African. I am still proudly Nigerian as well.”