Miss South Africa fame Chidinma Adetshina has revealed her intention to audition for the reality show Big Brother Naija in 2025.
The BBN 2024 edition, dubbed 'No Loose Guard', is now underway.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Adetshina, who faced significant backlash at Miss South Africa 2024 for her Nigerian heritage, eventually withdrew from the pageant. In response, she was invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she currently represents Taraba State with 24 other contestants.
In an interview on The Big Friday Show with Tacha, the 23-year-old law student compared her long stint at the Miss SA pageant to that of BBN, which lasts ten weeks.
“I want to participate in Big Brother Naija next year. If I can be away for seven weeks in Miss South Africa, believe me, I am sure I can do it,” she said.
Checks by this newspaper on the eligibility criteria for the BBN auditions indicate that contestants must be Nigerian citizens, at least 21 years old and possess a valid ID. However, it is not known whether Adetshina will meet the ID requirements.
It should be recalled that her mother, Mrs Adetshina, was charged with identity theft during an investigation by the South African Ministry of Home Affairs into the identity of the former finalist.
Article page with promotion of financial support Identity crisis
Speaking about how she handled the identity crisis caused by the Miss SA controversy, the 300-level law student said: “For me, it's been a long journey. It's been really tough, I won't lie. Sometimes, I would cry myself to sleep and think, 'Why me?' and I wanted it to end. But sometimes when tough times happen, you have to look on the bright side. So I had to change my mindset and see that greatness can come out of all of this.
“My time in beauty pageants is something I just started. However, I have had this dream since 2017 to become the next Miss Universe, and I am happy that I have been given that platform and opportunity to at least try to achieve that goal. For the past two months, I have not prioritized that aspect. So, when I feel like it is time to take some ‘fancy moments’, trust me, I am ready to conquer it all,” said the netball player.
Support
Commenting on what drives her determination, Ms Adetshina highlighted the importance of family support.
“They are the biggest support system I have ever had, they give me energy and tell me, 'Listen, you can do it, no matter what. Put everything aside, you can do it.'”
“Also, the ‘Chi Master Force’ (her online fans) – I just found out I have a force called ‘Chi Master.’ They are amazing; the support and love is crazy. I think I’m getting a lot of hate, but trust me, if you check my Instagram, the love is there.”
Regarding the challenges she faced entering Miss South Africa as a law student, it was revealed that she was reluctant due to previous failed attempts.
She said: “Everyone was so supportive. I was the one who didn’t want to do it because I felt so discouraged, but I had a lot of support competing. I remember I was almost late in submitting my video, but I’m grateful I took that step.”
“I think what was holding me back was the fear of failure. I applied last year and didn’t make it, so I thought, ‘What if I come back and don’t make it? ’ I’m happy I made it. With everything that’s going on now, the controversy, everyone has their own time and patience is key.”
Plans
Looking ahead, the 23-year-old law student shared her plans beyond showbiz.
She said: “I have a lot of work ahead of me. I have a lot of tasks that I feel I need to accomplish, especially before I represent Nigeria, if I win, I hope. There is a lot ahead for me. I want to go further and be in places I never thought I could be, and I have always wanted to be a model. So I am grateful to be on that path and I know I will go further.”
“I also plan to get into podcasting. I talked about it with the girls I was competing with in the Miss South Africa pageant. We wanted to start a podcast, initially as a ‘Miss South Africa podcast’, but now, looking into it, I want to have a podcast with inspirational talks and motivate people.”
Asked if her brief stay in Nigeria made her think about moving from South Africa, the former finalist said: “I can safely say I won't be going back. It's been amazing! I don't even feel like going back. I want to explore, stay longer and see what happens next.
“I am glad to be back, even though my knee is not healed, but I am ready. For me, the important thing is to be happy and achieve many things. I know that many things await me, but I think I also need to be happy first.”
As for settling down with a spouse, Adetshina made it clear that her current focus is on her ambitions: “I don't see myself as someone who will try to settle down anytime soon. For now, I have a lot to accomplish before I make it, but everything will fall into place.”
READ ALSO:Miss South Africa: More controversy after video of Chidinma Adetshina's Nigerian wedding surfaces
Miss Universe Nigeria
The voting process for the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant is now underway and the Taraba State delegate has urged Nigerians to support her. She said: “I would appreciate all the love and support. I would love to be among the top 10 finalists.”
The pageant began on August 23 and lasted for a week. The contestants are currently in camp for their activities.
One of the 25 contestants will be crowned at the grand finale on August 31. The winner will go on to represent Nigeria at the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico on November 16.