A former Miss South Africa contestant hounded over a nationality row was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday, capping a difficult few weeks for the beauty queen.

Born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, 23-year-old Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the country's competition "for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I" after a backlash that exposed anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.

"This journey has been a tough journey for me and I am so proud of myself and I'm really grateful for the love and the support," Adetshina told AFP minutes after being crowned in Nigeria's commercial capital of Lagos.

Adetshina said: "This is something that I've always wanted, and I'm really glad that I have a second shot as well at achieving it."

Her Nigerian heritage attracted vicious xenophobic attacks and sparked controversy when she was announced as a Miss South Africa finalist in July, while the government said it was investigating a claim that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman.

Despite not being in the country in 20 years, organisers of the Nigerian contest invited her to join their final, saying it was a chance for her to "represent your father's native land on an international stage".

"We all need to stop with the xenophobia... with the tribalism," first runner-up Paula Ezendu told AFP.

"We're all one family. We're all human beings," she added.

The Nationality Controversy: A Difficult Journey for Adetshina

The nationality controversy surrounding Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa competition was a significant turning point in her life. Although born and raised in South Africa, her Nigerian heritage became a source of contention, leading to intense public scrutiny and backlash.

Navigating Xenophobia

Adetshina’s experience highlights the pervasive issue of xenophobia in South Africa. Her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition due to safety concerns reflects the harsh reality faced by many foreigners in the country.

A Second Chance: Miss Universe Nigeria

Despite the challenges she faced, Adetshina persevered and found a new opportunity in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. Her journey to the crown underscores her determination and resilience. Her victory is a testament to her ability to overcome adversity and seize new opportunities.

A Call for Unity: The Miss Universe Nigeria Platform

Adetshina’s victory is significant beyond just a beauty title. Her win provides a platform to address important social issues, particularly xenophobia and the need for unity. She has embraced this responsibility, using her voice to advocate for a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Breaking Down Barriers

Adetshina’s message of unity resonates with many. Her call to break down barriers and foster a continent where every African can move freely without prejudice is a powerful statement. She emphasizes that her crown is not just a symbol of beauty but a call to action.

Looking Ahead: Miss Universe Competition

Adetshina will represent Nigeria at the international Miss Universe competition in November. She has expressed her confidence in winning the global title, showcasing her ambition and determination to succeed. Her journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, demonstrating her unwavering spirit and commitment to making a difference.

The nationality controversy surrounding Adetshina may have initially overshadowed her achievements, but her win as Miss Universe Nigeria is a significant moment that transcends borders and highlights the importance of embracing diversity and fostering unity in a world that often struggles with division.

A Triumph of the Human Spirit

Chidinma Adetshina's journey to the crown is an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and a commitment to overcoming adversity. Her victory is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above challenges and inspire change.