Danielle Adewusi Crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026

Lagos State representative Danielle Adewusi has been crowned winner of the Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 pageant after defeating 19 other contestants at the grand finale in Lagos.

The finale took place on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, following weeks of competition that included camp activities, advocacy projects, talent showcases and stage performances.

According to Silverbird, Adewusi impressed the judges with her confidence, intelligence, elegance and commitment to social impact before securing the crown after the final question-and-answer session.

Anita Osikhena of Edo State was named first runner-up, while Cross River State representative Myya Jones finished as second runner-up. Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti State and Melissa Toghanro of Delta State placed third and fourth runners-up respectively.

Jones also secured an automatic spot in the Top Five after receiving the highest number of votes in the fast-track voting process.

Toghanro will represent Nigeria at the Miss Supranational pageant, while Osikhena emerged as one of the night's major award winners.

Osikhena won the Pitch Your Dream Competition, receiving ₦1 million from Yolo Island and a two-night, all-expenses-paid stay at Yolo Island Beach Resort. She also won the Best Advocacy Project award, which came with ₦500,000 and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products.

Other special recognitions went to representatives of Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Edo, Oyo, Osun and Ogun, who won the Most Photogenic, Miss Amity, Best Evening Dress, Top Model, Best National Costume and Best Talent awards respectively.

Silverbird Group President and Miss Universe Nigeria National Director, Guy Murray-Bruce, crowned Adewusi at the close of the ceremony.

With her victory, Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival, scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

She is also expected to take her "Scrub the Stigma" advocacy project, which focuses on women's health, to the global stage.