South Africans’ support for me not intended to spite Adetshina, says Miss Kwara

Ufa Dania, the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 contestant, has refuted claims that South Africans supported her to spite Chidimma Adetshina.

Dania, who represented Kwara and was the first plus-size contestant in the competition history, appeared to have received overwhelming encouragement from South Africans during the pageant.

Despite the support for Dania, Chidimma Adetshina, who was enmeshed in a controversy over her eligibility to participate in this year’s Miss South Africa, took home the Miss Universe Nigeria crown.

In an interview with Channels TV, Dania attributed the backing from South Africans to her relatability and shared characteristics.

She also dismissed claims that South Africans voted for her to spite Adetshina, adding that “they saw something in me other people did not see”.

“Personally, I do not know if South Africans’ support is to spite Chidimma. Because before I came for camp I started a series on Instagram called ‘Road to Miss Universe Nigeria’,” she said.

“In the series, I show my personality. I don’t know exactly how my page got to them but I think the reception is because a lot of them see themselves in me.

“Particularly the South African ladies because they are really curvy and dark. That was more of the messages I was getting on my social media.

“I feel they just saw someone they could relate with on a deeper level which is why they voted me.

“I will not say they did it to spite Chidimma. They saw something in me other people did not see.”