Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria 2021, 33rd edition of MBGN,  was held on 18th September 2021 at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria where Maristella Okpala was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2021. She succeeded Miss Universe Nigeria 2019 Olutosin Araromi for the title.

Maristella Okpala is a Nigerian cabin crew and a dental technician. She was born and raised in Enugu State, Nigeria but she later moved to Anambra State, Nigeria and is the eldest among four siblings. Okpala attended Peace Nursery and Primary School for her elementary education and Federal Government College for her secondary education, which are both in Enugu State. She later went to the Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy. The queen has travelled to over 40 countries and used to be a football player in college.

She boasts of an outstanding portfolio as a pageant veteran as she has held the title of Miss Style Queen, Nigeria 2012. In 2015, she represented Nigeria at Supermodel International 2014 at the Aetas Hotel and Residence Ballroom in Bangkok, Thailand where she finished in the Top 10. She also competed at Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2017 where she won the Miss Photogenic award and finished in the Top 15.

Okpala won the title of Miss Earth Nigeria 2018 on 8th September 2018 and went on to represent Nigeria at Miss Earth 2018 which was held in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines on 8th November 2018. Although Okpala gave a strong performance, she remained unplaced. She also holds the title of Naesim International Queen of the Year 2019.