Miss Universe Nigeria: doctor Danielle Adewusi wins the 2026 crown

Danielle Adewusi, a medical doctor representing Lagos State, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026. She won the title on Sunday night, 27 September, at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Pulse Nigeria and Vanguard reported.

Who is Danielle Adewusi, Miss Universe Nigeria 2026?

Adewusi studied at King’s College London, where she earned a medical degree (MBBS) and a first-class BSc in Psychology, according to Vanguard. She also holds a DipABRSM diploma in piano from the Guildhall School of Music. Vanguard describes her as a physician and advocate with a particular interest in women’s health.

In 2023 she founded Scrub The Stigma, an initiative that tackles the stigma around women’s health, and it will be her advocacy platform on the global stage. Before competing in Nigeria, she reached the top five of Miss Universe Great Britain, Vanguard said.

Who won Miss Universe Nigeria 2026? Full list of winners

Twenty contestants competed for the crown. Guy Murray-Bruce, President of Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, crowned the winner, Pulse Nigeria reported. The top five were:

• Winner: Danielle Adewusi (Lagos)
• 1st runner-up: Anita Osikhena (Edo)
• 2nd runner-up: Myya Jones (Cross River)
• 3rd runner-up: Oluwafunmibi Ajaja (Ekiti)
• 4th runner-up: Melissa Toghanro (Delta)

Osikhena also won the Pitch Your Dream competition (N1 million and a two-night resort stay) and Best Advocacy Project (N500,000 and a year’s supply of products), according to Pulse Nigeria.

When is Miss Universe 2026?

Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th edition of Miss Universe in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November. Pulse Nigeria put the date at Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Nigerian broadcast or streaming details for the international final had not been announced as of Tuesday, 29 September.

Quick facts

• Title: Miss Universe Nigeria 2026
• Winner: Dr Danielle Adewusi (Lagos State)
• Crowned: Sunday, 27 September 2026, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos
• Organiser: Silverbird Group (National Director: Guy Murray-Bruce)
• Contestants: 20
• Next: Miss Universe 2026, San Juan, Puerto Rico, November (24 November, per Pulse Nigeria)

FAQ

Who is Miss Universe Nigeria 2026?
Danielle Adewusi, a medical doctor and women’s health advocate who represented Lagos State.

Who was first runner-up at Miss Universe Nigeria 2026?
Anita Osikhena of Edo State.

Where will Miss Universe 2026 hold?
San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November 2026.

Is Danielle Adewusi the one to bring the Miss Universe crown home? Tell us in the comments.

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Sources

1. Pulse Nigeria — Danielle Adewusi defeats 19 contestants to become Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 (28 September 2026)
2. Vanguard — 10 things to know about Danielle Adewusi, doctor crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 (28 September 2026)
3. Leadership — Danielle Adewusi emerges Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 (September 2026)