5 Key Facts About the New Miss Universe Nigeria 2025

Onyinyechi Basil, a 25-year-old from Anambra State, won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2025 crown after a high-energy finale in Lagos. 

The national title makes her an official ambassador for young women across the country and the person who will carry Nigeria’s flag to the Miss Universe finals later this year.

This win also kicks off a busy season for Basil. In the coming weeks, she will train for television interviews, sharpen her runway walk, fine-tune her answers for the pressure of a live Q&A, and work closely with designers on her national costume and evening gown. 

Just as important, she will begin rolling out her social projects at home,so that her year as queen delivers real results, not just photo ops.

These five facts cover the moment she won, where she is headed, what she stands for, the experience she brings, and who stood beside her on the final night.

1) She won the crown in Lagos on August 30

Onyinyechi Basil claimed the Miss Universe Nigeria 2025 title at the Balmoral Event Centre in Lagos on Saturday, August 30.

She stood out in all three key segments, swimsuit, evening gown, and on-stage Q&A, by balancing confidence with clear, concise answers. The judges rewarded her poise, and the crowd responded to her calm stage presence.

2) She will represent Nigeria at Miss Universe in Bangkok

As national titleholder, Basil will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2025 finals in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 20. Between now and then, she will focus on stage training, fitness, and media coaching, while her team coordinates wardrobe, national costume, and a tight travel schedule.

The goal is simple: arrive in Bangkok fully prepared, with a story and platform that connect in 30 seconds or less.

3) Her platform: women’s education and maternal health

Basil has said her year will centre on women’s education and empowerment, with a strong push on maternal healthcare.

In practice, that means school outreach, mentorship for girls, scholarship drives, and awareness visits that help expectant mothers access reliable information and safe services.

She wants her reign to leave tools behind,books, mentors, and partnerships—not just speeches.

4) She brings real-world corporate experience

Off stage, Basil has worked in the private sector, managing West Africa operations for a South Korean conglomerate. That background gives her a professional edge: project planning, public speaking, and cross-cultural teamwork.

It also means she’s comfortable with deadlines and deliverables, which is useful when your calendar includes media tours, charity visits, and international competitions.

5) The runners-up and the handover

Basil succeeds the 2024 titleholder, Chidimma Adetshina. On coronation night, Damilola Bolarinde of Lagos placed first runner-up, Fortune Kurobo of Bayelsa took second runner-up, and Irene Ikediashi of Ogun finished third runner-up.

Their strong performances underline how competitive the field was and set up a supportive circle of national ambassadors who will likely collaborate throughout the year.