Tamunosoye Karibi-George, Miss World Nigeria 2026, has won the Top Model for Africa title at the ongoing Miss World competition in Vietnam, earning an automatic place in the Top 40 quarterfinals of the 2026 pageant. The victory, announced on Thursday, places the 26-year-old communications professional from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, among the leading contenders in the 75th anniversary edition of the competition.

Karibi-George, who represented Bayelsa State at the Miss World Nigeria 2026 competition, was crowned Miss World Nigeria on 6 June 2026 at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, succeeding Joy Mojisola Raimi. She will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam. Before winning the Nigerian crown, she had already won Miss Africa International 2024 in Accra, Ghana.

Top Model Victory and Continental Recognition

The Top Model competition was held as part of Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVII, themed “Soul of Heritage.” Karibi-George finished ahead of contestants from Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa. The Miss World Organisation announced the results on Instagram, confirming continental winners for Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, Europe, and Asia and Oceania. The Dominican Republic, France, and Vietnam won the titles for their respective regions.

“Congratulations to our four Continental Top Model winners, who have officially secured their places in the Top 40 quarterfinals of Miss World 2026,” the organisers wrote on Instagram. “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 ’ 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 Top 40 will consist of 10 contestants from each continent. The remaining slots will be filled through other Miss World fast-track challenges, including People’s Choice, Beauty With a Purpose, Head-to-Head, and Multimedia. Karibi-George had earlier competed in the Head-to-Head Challenge, where she reached the African finals; South Africa’s Romanda Hombir won the continental round and also secured a Top 40 spot.

Africa’s Strong Showing

Africa has secured multiple spots in the next round of the competition. Zambia has reached the Top 40 for the second consecutive year. The continent has also secured five finalists for the Miss World Multimedia Award, with representatives from Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The five finalists are Ivy Trizah of Kenya, Elly Aroni of Namibia, Latricia Ian of Tanzania, Trivia Elle Muhoza of Uganda, and Adah Mushibi of Zambia.

The Miss World Organisation said the Multimedia Award assessed contestants on creativity, authenticity, consistency, purposeful storytelling, and their ability to build genuine connections with audiences. “The standard was exceptionally high,” the organisation said, noting that selecting five finalists from each continental region was difficult.

At the Beauty With a Purpose Gala Dinner, all 111 national ambassadors were recognised for their projects and volunteer work. Uganda’s Trivia Elle Muhoza presented a mermaid gown inspired by mothers’ sacrifice and journey through childbirth. The gown was designed by Keesha Abdallah and used layers of tulle, satin, pearls, glass beads, and crystal stones.

Beyond Pageantry

Karibi-George is the founder of Beyond Labels, an initiative focused on inclusion and opportunities for children with disabilities and special needs. She performed Sia’s “Opportunity” in the Talent Competition. She has been noted for her wardrobe throughout the competition, including a white ballgown at the Top Model stage, which was part of a chapter leading to her Top Model for Africa win.

Nigeria’s first Miss World win came in 2001 when Agbani Darego became the first African to win the title. With Karibi-George’s advancement, Nigeria has now reached the next stage of the competition for the third consecutive year.

The grand finale is scheduled for 5 September in Nha Trang, with a worldwide live broadcast. The competition is being hosted in Vietnam for the first time.