SINCE 1986, Silverbird group, the parent company of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) and Miss Universe Nigeria (MUN) pageants has been in charge of sending Nigeria’s representatives to Miss Universe.

Nigeria’s representative at Miss Universe was previously restricted to anyone who emerged first runner up at MBGN pageants.

But with a new rule by the Miss Universe Organisation for only main winners to represent each country, Silverbird group birthed the MUN in 2023.

No wins in 37 years

Having participated in the pageant for 37 years, Nigeria has neither won the Miss Universe title nor emerged as any of the runner-ups.

However, the country has achieved success in some categories including a top 10 finish in 2001, winner of the Miss Congeniality award in 2014, top 20 finish in 2019, and best national costume in 2021.

In 2024, the contest took a different turn and gained widespread interest after a South African model with Nigeria father, Chidimma Adetshina was invited to compete after facing Xenophobic attack.

The ICIR reported how Adetshina faced series of backlashes from South Africans after making it to top 16 at the 2024 edition of the Miss South Africa pageant which made her withdraw from the pageant competition.

Upon her withdrawal, she got invited by the Silverbird group to participate at the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant competition.

Consequently, Adetshina accepted the invitation, participated and emerged winner, clinching the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 title.

Meanwhile, speaking with The ICIR on why Nigeria has never won the title, an international pageant coach, Bamilosin John, argued that the Silverbird group are not doing enough to properly assess and screen the contestants.

“I think what we are not doing right is the fact that the Silverbird organisation are not focused on critically analysing the kind of girl sent to represent Nigeria.

“However, I do not totally blame them because even the Miss Universe Organisation has some requirements and most of these ladies do not meet up with them,” he said.

He also noted that the representative do not get enough support from the organisation, government and fans.

“The few ones that meet up the requirements do not get the total support needed from the organisation and even the government to be a force on the international stage.

“We all have our roles to play from the organisation to the ladies and down to the fans,” he added.

Timelines of Nigeria’s participation

The ICIR details the timelines of Nigeria’s representative at the Miss Universe competition from 2001 to 2023, their placements and the awards won.

2001- Agbani Darego – Top 10 placement

2002- Chinenye Ochuba- Unplaced

2003- Celia Bissong- Unplaced

2004- Anita Uwagbale – Unplaced

2005- Roseline Amusu- Unplaced

2006- Tienepre Alexandra Oki- Unplaced

2007- Ebinabo Potts-Johnson- Unplaced

2008- Stephanie Oforka- Unplaced

2009- Sandra Otohwo- Unplaced

2010- Ngozi Odalonu- Unplaced

2011- Sophie Gemal- Unplaced

2012- Isabella Ayuk- Unplaced

2013- Stephanie Okwu- Unplaced

2014- Queen Celestine- Unplaced- Won Miss Congeniality

2015- Debbie Collins- Unplaced

2016- Unoaku Anyadike- Unplaced

2017- Stephanie Agbasi- Unplaced

2018- Aramide Lopez- Unplaced

2019- Olutosin Araromi

2020 – Nigeria did not participate due to Covid-19 pandemic.

2021- Maristella Okpala- Unplaced- Won Best National Costume

2022- Hannah Iribhogbe- Unplaced

2023- Mitchel Ugochi- Unplaced