‘I’ve Got What It Takes to Win Miss Universe’ — Danielle Adewusi
Miss Universe Nigeria 2026, Danielle Adewusi, has expressed strong confidence in her chances of winning the international title, declaring that she has what it takes to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming Miss Universe pageant.
In an interview with PUNCH Online published on Sunday, the beauty queen said her assurance stems from thorough preparations, a clear sense of purpose and faith in her journey.
“I am extremely confident. I trust in the preparations I have done, I trust in my why, and I have faith. I know I have come this far for a reason. I know I have what it takes, and I know I am doing this for the right reasons,” Adewusi stated.
The 29-year-old medical doctor, who was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria in late September 2026, is preparing to represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe competition.
The grand finale is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with contestants expected to begin arriving from November 8.
Adewusi, a Lagos representative, is following in the footsteps of her mother, Tonia Okogbenin, who held the Miss Universe Nigeria title in 1991, exactly 35 years earlier.
She has described her reign as the “Legacy Reign,” linking her mother’s achievement, Nigeria’s Miss World win 25 years ago, and the milestone 75th edition of Miss Universe.
She emphasised the importance of national support, saying: “An individual doesn’t win an international pageant; a nation does. That’s exactly what the Miss Universe international organisers want to see. They want to see a nation support their delegates. I need your support.”
Asked about the legacy she hopes to leave, Adewusi said: “I want to show young girls in Nigeria that it’s possible. They can be whatever they desire to be.”
A medical doctor who studied at King’s College London and founded the women’s health advocacy initiative Scrub the Stigma, Adewusi has highlighted her focus on education and empowerment alongside her pageant goals.
Nigeria has never won the Miss Universe crown; a victory would also make her the seventh Black woman to claim the title in the competition’s history.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
