Nigeria’s Miss World Journey Ends in Top 12 as Dominican Republic Claims Crown

Nigeria’s journey at the 2026 Miss World competition has come to an end after Tamunosoye Karibi-George advanced to the Top 12 at the global pageant in Vietnam.

Karibi-George, popularly known as Soye, was among the Nigerian representatives who made a strong impression throughout the competition but ultimately did not advance to the final six.

The Miss World 2026 crown went to Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic, who defeated more than 100 contestants to claim the title at the grand finale in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern finished as first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty was named second runner-up.

For Nigeria, Karibi-George’s Top 12 finish represents another strong performance on the international pageant stage.

The 26-year-old from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, entered the competition with significant momentum after winning the Africa Top Model title.

That victory automatically secured her place in the Miss World Top 40 and put Nigeria among the leading contestants from the African continent.

Karibi-George continued to progress as the competition became more intense.

She reached the Top 20 before eventually securing a place among the final 12 contestants.

Her route into the Top 12 also reflected the importance of public support under the pageant’s 2026 format. She earned a place through a strong showing in the People’s Choice category, while Eritrea’s Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin ultimately won the People’s Choice Award and advanced directly to the Top 6.

Karibi-George also used the competition to promote her advocacy work.

Through her “Beyond Labels” initiative, she has focused on inclusion, dignity, education and opportunities for children with disabilities, special needs and neurodivergent individuals.

Her participation therefore went beyond the traditional beauty-pageant competition, giving her an international platform to discuss issues connected to inclusion and empowerment.

She also represented Nigerian culture through several outfits and appearances during the competition, including designs inspired by Nigeria’s environment and heritage.

One of her notable looks, described as the “Amazon of the Mangrove,” highlighted environmental resilience and the strength of women, while another evening gown incorporated Nigeria’s familiar green-and-white colours.

Karibi-George’s journey began before the main competition when she won the Africa Top Model title at the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest.

She defeated representatives from several African countries, including Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya and South Africa, to secure the continental modelling honour.

Her performance also follows Nigeria’s previous showing at Miss World.

The country's 2025 representative, Joy Mojisola Raimi, reached the Top 20 at the previous edition.

Karibi-George was crowned Miss World Nigeria in June 2026 after winning the national competition in Lagos. She succeeded Raimi as Nigeria’s representative.

Dominican Republic Makes History

While Nigeria's journey ended in the Top 12, the biggest celebration of the night belonged to the Dominican Republic.

Joheirry Mola Dominguez became only the second woman from the country to win the Miss World crown.

Her victory came 44 years after Mariasela Álvarez became the Dominican Republic’s first Miss World winner in 1982.

Mola, 24, is a teacher, model, news correspondent and community advocate.

Her social-impact work focuses on expanding access to English-language education for children and young people in vulnerable communities through her “Voices of Tomorrow” initiative.

Her advocacy featured prominently during the final stages of the competition and reflected Miss World’s long-running “Beauty With a Purpose” emphasis on social impact.

Africa Still Had Plenty to Celebrate

Although Nigeria did not reach the final six, Africa still had a significant presence in the final stages of the competition.

South Africa’s Romanda Hombir reached the Top 6 and was subsequently crowned Miss World Africa 2026.

Eritrea also made history after Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin reached the Top 6 in the country's first appearance at the competition.

The 2026 Miss World competition featured 111 contestants and was held in Vietnam for the first time.

Contestants progressed through a series of stages before the field was reduced to the Top 40, Top 20, Top 12 and finally six finalists.

Nigeria may not have taken the crown, but Karibi-George’s journey to the Top 12 gave the country another notable finish on the global pageant stage.

Her Africa Top Model victory, Top 20 qualification and eventual Top 12 finish ensured that Nigeria remained part of the conversation throughout the competition.

For Karibi-George, the Miss World journey may have ended before the crown, but the international platform has given her advocacy work an even larger audience.

And for Nigeria, there is plenty to celebrate.

Key Facts

Miss World 2026 Winner: Joheirry Mola Dominguez, Dominican Republic

Nigeria’s Representative: Tamunosoye Karibi-George

Nigeria’s Final Position: Top 12

First Runner-Up: Elisabeth Reynés Alabern, Spain

Second Runner-Up: Taanusiya Chetty, Malaysia

Venue: Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nigeria’s Major Achievement: Africa Top Model winner

Nigeria’s Advocacy Platform: Beyond Labels

Miss World 2026 Contestants: 111

Next Miss World Competition: Tanzania, 2027

Sources

Miss World Organisation

Voice of Nigeria

Punch

Vanguard

The Sun Nigeria