MasterChef Nigeria Winner to Receive N73m as Entries Open

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

An opportunity has opened for cooks in the country to win something substantial for doing what they have passion for.

This is because an African media giant, Primedia, has brought the adaptation of the world’s most renowned reality television cooking show, MasterChef Nigeria, to the country.

A statement from the organisers disclosed that the winner would go away with N73 million and the coveted title of Nigeria’s first MasterChef.

Entries are now open for this life-changing opportunity, with the closing date on Friday, February 27, 2026.

“Home cooks who want to enter MasterChef Nigeria must be Nigerian citizens aged 18 or above, hold a valid passport, and have not earned a living as professional chefs. Interested applicants can submit their entries via www.masterchefnigeria.com, where the complete eligibility requirements and the application form are available. The show will air on DStv’s Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family.

The MasterChef format, created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, has catapulted the careers of countless culinary stars across 720 countries while showcasing the unique food culture of each territory.

As recognised by the authoritative Guinness World Records, it is the most successful cookery show in the world. Over 700 seasons and 16,000 episodes have aired to date.

In MasterChef Nigeria, diverse home cooks from across the country will compete in a series of food-making challenges designed to test originality, technique, flavour mastery and presentation.

Throughout the season, these contestants will prepare both traditional and contemporary dishes, drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage while demonstrating global culinary standards.

At each challenge, the MasterChef Nigeria judges – esteemed Nigerian chefs who will be announced in due course – will evaluate the dishes to determine the best and least successful servings, and ultimately.

“MasterChef Nigeria is a major Nigerian television milestone that will celebrate the country’s exquisite cuisine, innovative food culture and vibrant culinary traditions as never before, whilst unearthing, mentoring and nurturing talent with the potential to become Nigeria’s next generation of distinguished chefs.

“We encourage all home cooks who want to make a name for themselves in the dynamic Nigerian food industry to enter this profound competition,” the Managing Director at Primedia Africa, Tamara van Eeckhoven, stated.

Also commenting, the chief executive of MultiChoice Nigeria, Ms Kemi Omotosho, said, “MasterChef Nigeria reflects our continued commitment to investing in premium local content that showcases the richness of Nigerian culture and creativity to audiences across Africa and the world.”

Similarly, the Executive Head of Content and Channels for MultiChoice West Africa, Ms Atinuke Babatunde, said, “We are delighted to be the broadcasting platform for MasterChef Nigeria. Africa Magic Family and Africa Showcase are known for superior, premium programming and authentic storytelling aimed at country-specific African audiences. MasterChef Nigeria is breaking ground, and the first season in Nigeria is bound to create enormous excitement.”

On her part, the VP for the Middle East, Africa, Israel, Greece and Cyprus for Banijay Rights, Ms Sarah Mottershead, said, “We are incredibly proud this world-beating culinary format continues to expand its global footprint. Through our wider partnership with Primedia, Nigerian viewers are set for a real treat when they get their first taste of this iconic TV experience.”

The Group Media Manager for Tolaram, Adeola Amosun, said, “We are proud to partner with MasterChef Nigeria as the headline sponsor of its first-ever edition in the country. MasterChef is a globally respected platform that celebrates culinary excellence, creativity, and skill – values that align strongly with Power Oil’s commitment to quality and healthier cooking.”