Anambra’s Onyinyechi Basil has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2025, dazzling the judges and a nationwide audience in a spectacular finale that lit up Lagos on Saturday night. The 23-year-old beauty queen edged out Miss Lagos, Damilola Bolarinde, in a nail-biting final two showdown, sealing her place as Nigeria’s representative at the global Miss Universe pageant later this year.
The night was charged with suspense as Basil stood tall against strong contenders. Miss Bayelsa, Fortune Kurobo, finished as second runner-up, while Miss Ogun, Irene Ikediashi, claimed third place. Miss Akwa Ibom, Idah Eno, rounded out the top five and walked away with the separate crown of Miss Supranational Nigeria 2025, ensuring she will also represent the country on an international stage.
From the 22 contestants who started the journey, only 10 made it to the decisive rounds. 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. Although they fell short of the final crown, they left lasting impressions in what was one of the most competitive editions of the contest.
The evening wasn’t just about beauty—it was a celebration of culture, artistry, and confidence. The traditional attire segment drew thunderous applause as contestants fused heritage fabrics with modern designs, showcasing Nigeria’s cultural pride. The swimwear round, themed around inclusivity and self-expression, reinforced the pageant’s evolving identity beyond aesthetics.
Statistics released by the Miss Universe Nigeria franchise revealed just how fiercely contested the title was. Miss Delta led public voting with 38,319 votes, followed closely by Miss Lagos with 34,033 and Miss Ekiti with 28,074. The massive turnout underscored the growing popularity of the competition, which has become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated annual showcases of talent and style.
Hosts Anthony Abraham and Victory Wilson guided the glittering ceremony, which featured choreographed performances, bold fashion displays, and live social media engagement as Nigerians nationwide followed the countdown to the crown. The excitement spilled online, with hashtags about the show trending throughout the night.
By succeeding 2024 titleholder Chidinma Adetshina, Onyinyechi Basil now steps into a new role as cultural ambassador and global competitor. As she prepares to face contestants from across the world, Nigerians will be hoping she brings home the international crown, cementing her historic win as more than just a moment of glamour, but a symbol of national pride.
