Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria following a nationality controversy that sparked xenophobic backlash.

Chidimma Adetshina, 23, whose father is Nigerian, had initially competed in a South African beauty pageant but withdrew after facing intense xenophobic backlash. The young beauty queen, who was born in South Africa, stepped down from the Miss South Africa competition “for the safety and wellbeing of my family” amid growing anti-foreigner sentiment.

Adetshina’s journey took a positive turn when she was invited to compete in the Nigerian contest. Despite the challenges, she emerged victorious and was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub.

Reflecting on her experience, Adetshina expressed her gratitude and relief: “This journey has been a tough journey for me… I am so proud of myself and I’m really grateful for the love and the support. This is something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m really glad that I have a second shot at achieving it.”

Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa competition had ignited a wave of xenophobic attacks due to her Nigerian heritage. The situation escalated when allegations surfaced that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman. The South African government announced it would investigate the claims, further intensifying the controversy.

Despite having spent little time in Nigeria over the past two decades, the organizers of the Nigerian pageant welcomed Adetshina, emphasizing the opportunity for her to represent her father’s native land on an international stage.

First runner-up Paula Ezendu also addressed the xenophobia and tribalism that marred Adetshina’s journey, saying, “We all need to stop with the xenophobia… with the tribalism. We’re all one family. We’re all human beings.”

Adetshina, who remains fond of South Africa despite the nationality dispute, expressed her gratitude for the support she received from both countries. Looking forward, she will represent Nigeria at the international Miss Universe competition in November, where she hopes to bring home the crown. “I know we are going to win,” she confidently told reporters.