Nigeria’s Tamunosoye Karibi-George has emerged as one of the standout contestants at Miss World 2026, finishing among the Top 12 finalists at the global pageant held in Vietnam.
Although she missed out on the final six and ultimately the crown, Karibi-George’s performance marked a significant showing for Nigeria on the international stage.
The 26-year-old, popularly known as Soye, had secured her place among the Top 40 after winning the Africa Top Model title at the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest. Her victory placed her ahead of representatives from several African countries, including Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya and South Africa.
She went on to advance into the Top 20 before securing a spot in the Top 12, placing Nigeria alongside contestants from countries including Brazil, France, the Philippines, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Miss World 2026 crown eventually went to Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic, who defeated contestants from 72 other countries. Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern finished as first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty emerged as second runner-up.
For many Nigerians, however, Soye’s journey has become a major talking point beyond the final result.
Throughout the competition, she used the international platform to showcase Nigerian culture and her advocacy work, including her “Amazon of the Mangrove” costume, which highlighted the heritage of the Niger Delta.
She also appeared in the Head-to-Head and Talent competitions, performing Sia’s “Opportunity”.
Her advocacy platform, Beyond Labels, focuses on inclusion, dignity, education and empowerment for children with disabilities, people with special needs and neurodivergent individuals.
Karibi-George, who hails from Port Harcourt, represented Bayelsa State at the national pageant before being crowned Miss World Nigeria in June 2026.
Beyond modelling, she works as a communications professional, actress, voice-over artist, event host and scriptwriter.
Meanwhile, Dominguez, 24, made history by becoming only the second woman from the Dominican Republic to win Miss World, 44 years after Mariasela Álvarez claimed the country’s first crown in 1982.
The 2026 edition was held at April 2 Square in Nha Trang, Vietnam, marking the first time the country hosted the Miss World competition.
With Nigeria finishing among the Top 12 and securing the Africa Top Model title, Soye’s performance has already sparked conversations about the country’s growing presence and strategy on the global pageant stage.
