Miss World 2026: Nigeria’s Karibi-George clinches Africa top model crown
Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, has made the nation proud by clinching the Africa Top Model title, earning an automatic spot in the Top 40 quarter-finals of the ongoing global pageant in Vietnam.
Her victory, announced late Thursday night , earned her an automatic place in the next stage of the 2026 Miss World pageant.
Karibi-George finished ahead of contestants from Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Kenya and South Africa during the Top Model competition, held as part of the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVII, themed “Soul of Heritage.”
The Miss World Organisation announced the results on Instagram, confirming the continental winners for Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, Europe and Asia and Oceania.
The Dominican Republic, France and Vietnam emerged winners in their respective regions.
“Congratulations to our four Continental Top Model winners, who have officially secured their places in the Top 40 quarter-finals of Miss World 2026.
“Americas & Caribbean: Dominican Republic; Africa: Nigeria; Europe: France; Asia & Oceania: Vietnam.
“One winner from each continent earned a coveted place in the Top 40 after standing out during the Top Model competition at Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVII: ‘Soul of Heritage.’
“But the competition isn’t over yet: one of these four continental winners will be named the overall Top Model winner and earn a direct place in the Top 20!” the organisers wrote on Instagram.
The Top 40 will comprise 10 contestants from each continent.
The remaining slots will be filled through other Miss World fast-track challenges, including the People’s Choice, Beauty With a Purpose, Head-to-Head and Multimedia competitions.
Karibi-George had earlier competed in the Head-to-Head Challenge, where she advanced to the African final.
South Africa’s Romanda Hombir won the continental round and also secured a place in the Top 40.
The 26-year old Port Harcourt, Rivers State-born beauty queen was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 on June 6, at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
She represented Bayelsa State and succeeded Joy Mojisola Raimi, who reached the Top 20 at the previous edition of the pageant.
A communications professional and associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Karibi-George is the founder of Beyond Labels, an initiative focused on inclusion and empowerment for children with special needs.
She was also crowned Miss Africa International 2024 in Accra, Ghana, before clinching the Miss World Nigeria 2026 title.