HANOI, VIETNAM — Nigeria’s representative at the 2026 Miss World pageant, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, has emerged as the Africa Top Model winner, earning an automatic qualification into the competition’s Top 40.


Karibi-George secured the continental title during the Top Model competition, held as part of the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVII, themed “Soul of Heritage.”


She emerged ahead of representatives from Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Kenya and South Africa to claim the African title.


The Miss World Organisation named Karibi-George alongside three other continental Top Model winners: representatives of the Dominican Republic for the Americas and Caribbean, France for Europe, and Vietnam for Asia and Oceania.


The four continental winners automatically advanced to the Top 40 quarter-finals. One of the four, however, will eventually emerge as the overall Top Model winner and earn a direct ticket into the Top 20.


The Top 40 will comprise contestants from the four continental regions, with each region allocated 10 spots. Additional contestants are expected to qualify through challenge categories, including People’s Choice, Beauty With a Purpose, Head-to-Head and Multimedia.


Karibi-George, 26, hails from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 on June 6 at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, after emerging from a field of 20 finalists. She represented Bayelsa State at the national competition.


Beyond the pageant, Karibi-George is a communications professional and social advocate. She is the founder of Beyond Labels, an initiative focused on inclusion, dignity and empowerment for children with special needs.

She also won the Miss Africa International 2024 title in Accra, Ghana.


Her latest achievement comes after she advanced to the African finalists in the Head-to-Head Challenge, further strengthening Nigeria’s representation at this year’s global pageant.


The 73rd Miss World Festival is currently taking place in Vietnam, with the grand finale scheduled for September 5, 2026.


Karibi-George’s Top Model victory has now placed her firmly among the leading contenders as she continues her campaign for the coveted Miss World crown.