She is South African: Nigerians breathe fire over Chidimma's win as Miss Universe Nigeria

The recent crowning of Chidimma Adetshina as Miss Universe Nigeria has sparked a firestorm of controversy in the West African nation, with many Nigerians questioning the legitimacy of her victory and expressing outrage that a South African-born woman was chosen to represent their country.

Chidimma, who was born and raised in South Africa to a Mozambican mother and Nigerian father, has faced a turbulent journey in the world of beauty pageants. She was previously a contestant in Miss South Africa, but was disqualified after an investigation by the Department of Home Affairs uncovered evidence of a prima facie case of identity fraud.

Following her disqualification from Miss South Africa, Chidimma moved to Nigeria, where she participated in and won the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.

However, her victory has been met with a wave of criticism from many Nigerians, who feel that a contestant who grew up in Nigeria should have been crowned instead.

"Was there somebody not presenting Taraba State before? If there was then you removed somebody who was presenting Taraba to put her in that place. She has never been to Taraba," said Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, host of the Nigerian News Central TV segment, "Jasiri", in a scathing critique of Chidimma's win.

"The brand itself is trying to rebrand 'the most beautiful girl in Nigeria' to 'Miss Universe Nigeria'. The ratings have been low, nobody talks about the pageants anymore. For me this was an attempt to get back in the news, done in the wrong way."

Adeleru-Balogun's comments reflect the sentiment of many Nigerians who believe that Chidimma's win was a publicity stunt aimed at boosting the declining popularity of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. They argue that her lack of experience and connection to Nigeria makes her an unsuitable representative for the country.

Chidimma, however, has defended her victory, claiming that she was targeted for her name and her South African heritage.

"It all started because of my name. People were not happy that my name is Chidimma and I am representing South Africa. So that is where it actually really started," she said in an interview with Silverbird TV, Nigeria's leading television station.

"South Africans felt like I was not South African enough because of my name. It was really sad to see, it was a very horrible experience and I wouldn't wish it on anybody because I have lived there for 23 years and it is heartbreaking to see that I was not welcomed or accepted," she added.

Despite the backlash, Chidimma remains determined to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant. She has stated that she will not be returning to South Africa and is focused on fulfilling her duties as Miss Universe Nigeria.