Lagos Girl Danielle Adewusi Wins Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 Crown

Danielle Adewusi, representing Lagos State, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026.

 

She beat 19 other contestants to win the top spot at the grand finale held on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

Before the main event, the contestants spent time in camp completing advocacy projects, showcasing their talents, and walking the runway.

 

Adewusi sealed her victory during the final question-and-answer segment, where the organizers, Silverbird Group, praised her poise, sharp answers, and dedication to social causes.

 

Guy Murray-Bruce, President of Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, presented her with the crown.

Anita Osikhena of Edo State finished as the first runner-up, while Myya Jones of Cross River took second runner-up.

 

Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti came in as third runner-up, and Melissa Toghanro of Delta finished fourth runner-up.

Rounding out the Top 10 were Benedicta Iferike (Abuja), Chidinma Oluku (Abia), Precious Chinah (Rivers), Eno Idungafa (Akwa Ibom), and Edidiong Udoidua (Ebonyi).

 

Myya Jones automatically landed a spot in the Top 5 after winning the public fast-track voting.

Several contestants also took home special awards throughout the night.

 

Edo State’s Anita Osikhena won the Pitch Your Dream Competition, earning ₦1 million from Yolo Island and a free two-night beach resort stay.

 

She also claimed the Best Advocacy Project award, which came with ₦500,000 and a year’s supply of Golden Penny products, alongside the prize for Best Evening Dress.

 

Among the other special award winners, Akwa Ibom took Most Photogenic, Ekiti won Miss Amity, Oyo was named Top Model, Osun took Best National Costume, and Ogun earned Best Talent.

Looking ahead, fourth runner-up Melissa Toghanro will represent Nigeria at the Miss Supranational pageant.

 

Meanwhile, newly crowned queen Danielle Adewusi will fly the Nigerian flag at the 75th Miss Universe competition on November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she will champion her women's health campaign, "Scrub the Stigma."