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

The event, held on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, featured 20 contestants competing through runway performances, talent displays, advocacy presentations and other challenges.

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

According to Silverbird, the organisation behind the competition, Adewusi impressed the judges with her confidence, intelligence, elegance and commitment to social impact, particularly during the final question-and-answer session.

The newly crowned queen will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe competition, scheduled to take place on November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Adewusi will also present her advocacy initiative, Scrub the Stigma, which focuses on raising awareness about women’s health issues, on the international stage.