Nigeria’s Oma Osele has won Miss Continental World 2026, earning the international pageant title alongside two special awards, while the country’s male representative, Unwana Sambo Essien, finishes third runner-up in the men’s competition.
The grand finale takes place in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on October 9, with Osele competing against contestants from more than 20 countries. India’s Shreeya Panda finishes first runner-up, while Thailand’s Pornpaya Rianju takes second runner-up.
Osele also receives the Queen of Africa title, awarded to the highest-placed African contestant, and the Best National Costume award for her cultural presentation outfit.
The 28-year-old, whose full name is Iruomachukwu Osele, is a Lagos-based model, entrepreneur and medical laboratory scientist. She represents Nigeria after winning EliteGlam Pageant Nigeria 2025.
Her victory follows another achievement in September, when she wins the World Premiere Award after topping the global fan vote on Eventista’s 1Vote platform. She finishes ahead of India’s Monica Konjengbam and Thailand’s Pornpaya Rianju in the voting.
Nigeria also records a placement in the male category, with Essien finishing third runner-up at the Mister Continental World 2026 competition held on the same night.
Thailand’s Karnajit Ningthoujam wins the men’s title, while Essien receives the King of Kings title and the Best National Attire award.
Osele’s win adds to Nigeria’s recent results at international beauty pageants, including Chidimma Adetshina’s first runner-up finish at Miss Universe 2024.
Osele is expected to return to Nigeria in the coming days.
Ademide Adebayo
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