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.
This can’t be the same Chidimma fighting tooth and nail to be considered South African pic.twitter.com/qw1HltNY6O
— Xolani-Njabulo🇿🇦 (@maxola1) July 21, 2026
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
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