Nigeria’s Danielle Adewusi Begins Her Miss Universe 2026 Journey in Puerto Rico

Danielle Adewusi in a custom off-white and burgundy ensemble featuring gold embroidery and a dramatic train for her Miss Universe departure. Photo Credit: Danielle Adewusi/Instagram

The road to the 75th Miss Universe crown is officially underway, and Nigeria’s representative, Dr Danielle Adewusi, has touched down in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to begin pre-pageant activities.

Danielle was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 on 27 September at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. Competing as Miss Lagos State against 19 other delegates, her victory marked a full-circle moment: her mother won the national title in 1991, 35 years before her.

An alumnus of King’s College London, Danielle holds an MBBS alongside a first-class honours degree in Psychology. Alongside her medical career, she leads Scrub the Stigma, an initiative focused on expanding healthcare access and raising awareness around women’s health across Nigeria and the UK.

Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 Danielle Adewusi wearing her official national crown and gold sequin gown. Photo Credit: Danielle Adewusi/Instagram

Before taking the national crown, she placed in the Top 5 at Miss Universe Great Britain in 2023 and completed international runway coaching in Thailand. With recent updates by the Miss Universe Organisation removing maximum age limits, 29-year-old Danielle is also among the delegates competing under the expanded eligibility rules.