Nigeria’s Tracy Richards has improved the country’s performance at the Miss Globe pageant, finishing among the top 11 contestants at the 2026 edition in Phuket, Thailand.
The Nigerian beauty queen also won the Head-to-Head Challenge and secured a place in the top 25 of the talent competition at the 23rd edition of the international pageant, which ended on Friday.
Her performance marked an improvement on Nigeria’s outing in 2025, when the country’s representative, Oribayo Funmilayo, finished among the top 21 contestants in Tirana, Albania.
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Richards was among 52 contestants who competed for the crown at Siam Niramit under the theme, “Beauty in Unity”. She missed out on the final five, which featured representatives from Argentina, the Netherlands, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Nguyễn Thu Thảo emerged winner, succeeding Thailand’s Chayathanus Saradatta, who won the 2025 edition. Thailand’s Suttida Iadpoo finished as first runner-up, while Ukraine’s Mariia Zheliaskova came third.
Reacting to Richards’ achievement, her team celebrated her performance and praised her representation of Nigeria on the international stage.
“From the moment she stepped onto the international stage in Phuket, Thailand, Tracy carried the Nigerian spirit, grace and determination with pride. What a journey, what a beautiful representation, and what an achievement to celebrate!” the team said in an Instagram post on Friday.
It also thanked Nigerians who voted for and supported the contestant throughout the competition.
“To everyone who voted, supported, encouraged and stood behind her throughout this journey, THANK YOU,” the team said.
“Tracy, you made Nigeria proud. Your journey does not end here, and your light will continue to shine,” it added.
Richards hails from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. She is a high-fashion model, kindergarten educator and entrepreneur who co-owns a modelling agency.
Describing herself as a polyglot, she has travelled to more than 30 countries, experiences that have contributed to her modelling career and participation in international pageantry.
Beyond the runway, Richards runs an advocacy initiative, Open Horizons, which seeks to expand opportunities for children from underserved communities in Lagos.
The project provides access to mentorship, education and experiential learning through after-school programmes and educational outings.
It is founded on the belief that exposing children to new experiences and opportunities can help shape their aspirations and future prospects.
Other special award winners at this year’s pageant included Ecuador’s Karen Hinojosa, who won Best National Costume; South Korea’s Sumi Yang, who received Best Talent; and Kenya’s Hellen Akello, named Miss Friendship.
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