Miss Universe Nigeria 2026, Danielle Adewusi, has called for nationwide support as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the 2026 Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico, expressing confidence in her ability to perform strongly at the global event.

Adewusi said her confidence was rooted in the preparation she had undergone, her sense of purpose and her belief that her participation was part of a larger mission.

Speaking in an interview with PUNCH Online, she said she was convinced that she had the qualities and preparation required to compete successfully.

“I am extremely confident. I trust in the preparations I have done, I trust in my why, and I have faith. I know I have come this far for a reason. I know I have what it takes, and I know I am doing this for the right reasons,” she said.

The beauty queen also urged women to resist pressure to conform to societal expectations, saying they should embrace the different aspects of their identities and abilities.

Adewusi argued that women should not allow society to restrict their ambitions or define them by a single role.

“My advice to them is not to allow society to box them into one thing. Society has a way of defining women to be one thing. You can’t erase every aspect of who you are; rather, use it to serve humanity,” she said.

Describing her tenure as the “Legacy Reign,” Adewusi said she wanted her participation in the international pageant to encourage young Nigerian girls to believe in their potential and pursue their aspirations.

She said she hoped to leave behind a message that would demonstrate to young girls that their goals were achievable regardless of the limitations placed on them.

“I want to show young girls in Nigeria that it’s possible. They can be whatever they desire to be,” she said.

Adewusi further appealed to Nigerians to rally behind her, stressing that national support was an important part of competing at an international pageant.

She said the success of a contestant at the global level should be viewed as a collective national achievement rather than an individual effort.

“An individual doesn’t win an international pageant; a nation does. That’s exactly what the Miss Universe international organisers want to see. They want to see a nation support their delegates. I need your support,” she said.

The 2026 Miss Universe grand finale is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Contestants are expected to begin arriving for the competition on Sunday, November 8.