Photo of Jade Rhode

‘I’ve always felt Nigerian’: Chidimma Adetshina’s ‘national’ pride trends amid deportation case

3 months By Jade Rhode

Controversial pageant participant Chidimma Adetshina is once again hogging headlines, this time for an old video of her declaring her Nigerian pride. The resurfacing of the footage comes during an intense battle with the Department of Home Affairs against her deportation from South Africa.

Also see: Chidimma Adetshina explains which SA languages she doesn’t like speaking in old video

Chidimma Adetshina embraces Nigerian roots

In the video, shot in 2024 after the Soweto-born woman’s win at the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, Chidimma says:

“I do feel like I was Nigerian, and I’ve always felt Nigerian from the moment I was born. It’s not just because of the opportunity that was presented to me. I think people who have known me will see that I’ve always embodied that spirit of being a pure, proudly Nigerian woman.

“I don’t want people to feel like, ‘She only feels Nigerian because she was offered an opportunity.’ I’ve always been proudly Nigerian, and I’ll still be proudly Nigerian as well.”

The opportunity that Chidimma pointed out was her invitation to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant after she received backlash over her citizenship and participation in Miss South Africa. The criticism ultimately led to her pulling out of the competition.

Also see: Anele Mgudlwa reacts to Chidimma Adetshina’s reported passport handover

Chidimma Adetshina faces deportation

Since making news about her citizenship in 2024, many have questioned the beauty queen’s identity. Chidimma was arrested in Cape Town in June 2026 after authorities alleged that she and her underage son were living in South Africa without valid immigration documents.

Her matter has since been postponed until 19 August 2026. Her legal team contests the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to deport her.

Also see: ‘I Didn’t Have Enough Clothes’: Chidimma Adetshina on Her Miss SA Experience

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!

MZANSI MATTERS

Deputy President Paul Mashatile visits Bronkhorstspruit following reports of water contamination

Deputy President Paul Mashatile visited Bronkhorstspruit this morning, 26 October 2026, following reports of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to the consumption of contaminated water that was allegedly not reported to residents in the area. Also see: OR Tambo International Airport recent R200 million drug bust raises concern Contaminated water cases have risen to approximately 509. On 20 […]

Read more...
ENTERTAINMENT

Qhawekazi Mazaleni bids heartfelt farewell to her reign as Miss South Africa

As the chapter closes on one of the most inspiring reigns in recent pageant history, former Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni has taken to social media to share an emotional and deeply reflective goodbye. Also see: Miss SA Qhawekazi Mazaleni shares special message for 2026 matriculants Documenting her final moments packing up her official Miss […]

Read more...
MZANSI MATTERS

OR Tambo International Airport recent R200 million drug bust raises concern

The South African Police Service (SAPS) seized around R200 million worth of raw cocaine at the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday afternoon, 25 October 2026, reporting that the drugs landed at the airport on a flight from Sao Paolo, Brazil. Also see: Fraud crackdown: SASSA dismisses 65 officials The recent bust has raised concerns about the […]

Read more...