Miss World 2026: Nigeria’s Karibi-George Battles Eritrea’s Snit Habteab In Final Voting Push

With less than 24 hours to the Miss World 2026 grand finale, Nigeria’s Tamunosoye Karibi-George and Eritrea’s Snit Habteab, have emerged as the leading contenders in the People’s Choice voting challenge, setting up a dramatic final push ahead of Saturday’s coronation.

Karibi-George, popularly known as Soye, is currently among the top two contestants worldwide, alongside Eritrea’s Snit Habteab, as supporters from both countries intensify efforts to push their respective queens higher on the leaderboard.

The contest has become particularly significant because the People’s Choice challenge is not merely a popularity contest. Under the official Miss World 2026 format, the first round determines the four continental People’s Choice winners, with each securing a place in the Top 40. Voting then continues, with two contestants eventually advancing to the Top 12 and one ultimately securing a place in the Top 6.

Habteab has been the dominant force in the African voting race, while Karibi-George has mounted a strong challenge as the final hours approach. Recent reports had Eritrea’s representative leading the People’s Choice vote, with Nigeria’s Soye among the closest challengers.

For Nigeria, Karibi-George’s campaign has already delivered a major achievement. The 26-year-old was recently named Africa’s Top Model and has secured her place in the Miss World Top 40. She also represents Nigeria with an advocacy platform, Beyond Labels, which focuses on inclusion and opportunities for children with disabilities and special needs.

The Nigerian government has joined the final mobilisation, with Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa urging Nigerians at home and abroad to vote for Karibi-George.

“Every vote and every point matters,” the minister said while encouraging Nigerians to support the contestant through the final stages.

The Miss World Festival, which is marking the pageant’s 75th anniversary, concludes on September 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, where the successor to the reigning Miss World will be crowned.

With the voting battle between Eritrea and Nigeria generating increasing attention, the final hours could determine how far both African queens advance.

For supporters, the message is simple: the crown may ultimately be decided by the judges, but every vote could help determine who gets one step closer to it.