Miss World Nigeria Soye Karibi-George Bows Out After Reaching Top 12

Nigeria’s representative ends her Miss World 2026 campaign after a strong run in Vietnam, including an Africa Top Model victory and a Top 12 finish. Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye “Soye” Karibi-George, has concluded her journey at the 73rd Miss World pageant after reaching the Top 12 at the grand finale in Nha Trang, Vietnam.Karibi-George had earlier secured an automatic place in the Top 40 after winning the Africa Top Model title at the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest. She then progressed through the competition to the Top 12, putting Nigeria among the leading contestants on the international stage.Her run ended at the Top 12 stage as the competition was narrowed to the final six. Eritrea’s Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin won the People’s Choice Award and earned a direct place in the Top 6 under the pageant’s 2026 voting format. Nigeria’s Soye had finished among the top two in the worldwide People’s Choice voting, which helped secure her Top 12 place.The 26-year-old communications professional from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, represented Bayelsa State at the Nigerian pageant and was crowned Miss World Nigeria in June after emerging from a field of 20 finalists.Beyond the runway, Soye has used her platform to promote inclusion through her Beyond Labels initiative, which focuses on creating opportunities and dignity for children with disabilities and people facing social barriers. She also highlighted environmental issues affecting Nigeria’s Niger Delta during her Miss World activities.Although she did not advance to the final six, her Top 12 finish, Africa Top Model title and strong public support mark a notable performance for Nigeria. Her campaign has also brought attention to her advocacy work and her message of purpose, inclusion and representation.Reporting based on the Miss World official voting information and reports from Arise News and PUNCH.