MasterChef Nigeria opens entries with N73m grand prize

MasterChef Nigeria has opened entries for its maiden edition, announcing a N73 million grand prize as it begins a nationwide search for Nigeria’s best home cook. The competition, brought to the country by Primedia, marks the first local adaptation of the globally acclaimed MasterChef franchise. Organisers said entries will close on February 27, 2026, with […]

MasterChef Nigeria has opened entries for its maiden edition, announcing a N73 million grand prize as it begins a nationwide search for Nigeria’s best home cook.

The competition, brought to the country by Primedia, marks the first local adaptation of the globally acclaimed MasterChef franchise.

Organisers said entries will close on February 27, 2026, with the winner emerging as Nigeria’s first MasterChef.

The programme will air on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family on DStv. The Nigerian edition forms part of the international MasterChef franchise represented by Banijay Entertainment, producers of formats such as Big Brother and Survivor. The deal for the Nigerian adaptation was negotiated by Banijay Rights.

Originally created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the MasterChef format has aired more than 700 seasons and 16,000 episodes worldwide. It is recognised by Guinness World Records as the most successful cookery television format globally.

Managing Director of Primedia Africa, Tamara van Eeckhoven, described the launch as a landmark moment for the country’s broadcast industry.

“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,” she said. “We encourage all home cooks who want to make a name for themselves in the dynamic Nigerian food industry to enter this profound competition.”

Chief Executive Officer of Africa Magic, Kemi Omotosho, said the initiative underscores the broadcaster’s commitment to local storytelling.

Also commenting, Sarah Mottershead, Vice President for Middle East, Africa, Israel, Greece and Cyprus at Banijay Rights, said the expansion of the format into Nigeria signals its sustained global growth.

“We are incredibly proud that this world-beating culinary format continues to expand its global footprint,” she said.

The competition will feature diverse home cooks from across the country competing in a series of culinary challenges designed to test originality, technique, flavour mastery and presentation. Throughout the season, contestants will prepare both traditional and contemporary dishes inspired by Nigeria’s culinary heritage while meeting global standards.

A panel of Nigerian chefs, to be announced, will assess the contestants at each stage, with the last participant standing crowned MasterChef Nigeria and awarded the N73 million prize.

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 18 or above, hold a valid passport and must not have earned a living as professional chefs.

Entries are to be submitted through the programme’s official website, where full eligibility requirements are available.