Nigerian model Oma Osele has emerged winner of Miss Continental World 2026, defeating contestants from across the world at the pageant’s grand finale in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Osele’s victory was further distinguished by two special awards she won ahead of the final: Queen of Africa, given to the highest-placed African contestant, and Best National Costume, recognising the cultural outfit she presented.
India’s Shreeya Panda finished as first runner-up.
The 28-year-old medical laboratory scientist, entrepreneur and model from Lagos represented Nigeria after winning EliteGlam Pageant Nigeria 2025.
Her path to the international crown gained momentum in September when she won the World Premiere Award after securing the highest number of votes in a global fan poll conducted through Eventista’s 1Vote platform.
She finished ahead of India’s Monica Konjengbam and Thailand’s Pornpaya Rianju in the voting, earning a media package that included official social media promotion and an AP News press release.
Nigeria also recorded success in the male category, as its representative, Unwana Sambo Essien, placed third runner-up at the Mister Continental World 2026 finals held on the same night.
Essien also won the King of Kings title and the Best National Attire award in the male category.
Osele’s achievement adds to Nigeria’s recent successes in international beauty pageants, including Chidimma Adetshina’s first runner-up finish at Miss Universe 2024.
