Nigerian model and medical laboratory scientist, Iruomachukwu Oma Osele, has won the Miss Continental World 2026 pageant held in Thailand, securing the international crown ahead of contestants from different countries.
Gatekeepers News reports that Osele emerged winner at the grand finale in Ayutthaya on October 9, 2026. India’s Shreeya Panda finished as the first runner-up, while Thailand’s Pornpaya Rianju emerged as the second runner-up.
The 28-year-old, who hails from Lagos, also won the Queen of Africa title, awarded to the highest-placed African contestant, and the Best National Costume award for her cultural presentation outfit.
Osele represented Nigeria at the international competition after winning EliteGlam Pageant Nigeria 2025.
Her success followed another achievement in September, when she won the World Premiere Award after topping the global fan vote on Eventista’s 1Vote platform. The award came with a media package, including social media promotion and an Associated Press News press release.
Nigeria also recorded a notable result in the male category, as its representative, Unwana Sambo Essien, finished third runner-up at the Mister Continental World 2026 competition held on the same night.
Essien also won the King of Kings title and the Best National Attire award in the male category, adding to Nigeria’s achievements at the international pageant.
Osele’s victory has attracted congratulatory messages from Nigerians, including the wife of Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, who described the achievement as a source of pride for the state and the country.
Soludo urged Nigerian youths to develop their talents, embrace hard work and pursue their ambitions, citing Osele’s accomplishment as an example of the opportunities available to young people.
