Nigeria’s representative at Miss World 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, has won the Africa Top Model title, securing an automatic place in the competition’s Top 40 quarterfinals.
The Miss World Organisation announced the result on its official Instagram page after Thursday’s Top Model competition at the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVII, themed “Soul of Heritage.”
Karibi-George shines in Top Model contest
Karibi-George emerged ahead of contestants representing Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Kenya and South Africa to claim the continental title.
“Congratulations to our four Continental Top Model winners, who have officially secured their places in the Top 40 quarterfinals of Miss World 2026,” the organisation said.
Nigeria joined the Dominican Republic, France and host nation Vietnam as continental winners for Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, Europe, and Asia and Oceania respectively.
The four winners automatically secured places in the Top 40 after impressing during the Top Model competition.
However, their battle is not over, as one of the four continental winners will eventually emerge as the overall Top Model winner and secure a direct place in the Top 20.
Nigeria’s Miss World bid gathers momentum
Karibi-George’s latest achievement strengthens Nigeria’s campaign as the global competition moves towards its final stages.
The 26-year-old communications professional had earlier progressed to the African finals of the Head-to-Head Challenge before South Africa’s Romanda Hombir won the continental category.
She has also attracted attention during the competition for her talent performance and her advocacy work through Beyond Labels, an initiative focused on inclusion and opportunities for children with disabilities and functional needs.
Karibi-George was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 in Lagos on June 6 after emerging victorious from a field of 20 contestants.
The Port Harcourt-born beauty queen represented Bayelsa State at the national competition before earning the opportunity to fly Nigeria’s flag on the Miss World stage.
Her Africa Top Model victory now guarantees her a place among the 40 contestants who will continue the race for the Miss World crown.
The Miss World 2026 festival is taking place in Vietnam, with the grand finale scheduled for September 5.
