Onyinyechi Basil, a contestant representing Anambra State, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2025, after an intense contest that lit up Lagos on Saturday night.
Basil got to the final of the contest with Miss Lagos, Damilola Bolarinde, as the final two contestants, while the franchise confirmed her as the winner.
The new queen edged out strong competition from other top contenders.
Miss Bayelsa, Fortune Kurobo, finished as second runner-up, while Miss Ogun, Irene Ikediashi, took the position of third runner-up.
Miss Akwa Ibom, Idah Eno, also made the top five and received the separate crown of Miss Supranational Nigeria 2025.
From the 22 contestants who began the journey, only 10 advanced to the final stages. Among them were Miss Delta, De-Blessing Asaboro; Miss Ekiti, Ezekiel Silver; Miss Imo, Chukwukereobi Chinaza; Miss Ebonyi, Ugoaru Onuoha; and Miss Oyo, Lagoke Funmike, though they did not progress further.
The night was a showcase of culture, glamour, and creativity.
The traditional attire segment celebrated Nigeria’s cultural heritage, with contestants blending modern design with local fabrics in outfits that drew loud cheers from the audience.
In the swimwear round, the contestants walked the runway in bold displays that highlighted themes of body confidence and inclusivity.
The entertainment began with choreographed dance performances, which set the mood and gave the show a vibrant opening.
According to Miss Universe Nigeria voting statistics released by the Nigerian Franchise, Miss Delta, De-Blessing Asaboro, led the polls with 38,319 votes.
She was followed by Miss Lagos, Damilola Bolarinde, with 34,033 votes, and Miss Ekiti, Ezekiel Silver, with 28,074 votes, reflecting the huge public interest in this year’s competition.
The finale, hosted by Anthony Abraham and Victory Wilson, attracted a large turnout and generated buzz across social media as viewers followed the countdown to the crown.
Basil now takes over the crown from Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidinma Adetshina, as she owns the role of Nigeria’s representative at the global Miss Universe pageant, where she will compete against contestants from around the world later this year.
