Nigerian beauty queen Oma Osele has won the inaugural Miss Continental World 2026 pageant, held in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on October 9.
Osele emerged as the overall winner ahead of India’s Shreeya Panda, who finished as first runner-up, while Thailand’s Pornpaya Rianju placed second runner-up, according to reports on the competition.
The 28-year-old medical laboratory scientist, entrepreneur and model from Lagos also received three special awards: Queen of Africa, Best National Costume and Best Physique. The Queen of Africa title recognises the highest-placed African contestant, while the Best National Costume award recognises her cultural presentation.
Osele represented Nigeria after winning EliteGlam Pageant Nigeria 2025. In September, she also won the World Premiere Award after topping the global fan vote on Eventista’s 1Vote platform, finishing ahead of India’s Monica Konjengbam and Thailand’s Pornpaya Rianju.
Nigeria recorded another strong result in the male category, with its representative, Unwana Sambo Essien, finishing third runner-up at the Mister Continental World 2026 finals. Essien also won the King of Kings title and Best National Attire award.
Osele’s victory adds to Nigeria’s recent achievements in international beauty pageants, including Chidimma Adetshina’s first runner-up finish at Miss Universe 2024.
She is expected to return to Nigeria in the coming days.
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