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By Rita Okoye
The Nigerian culinary landscape is set for a historic transformation as the globally acclaimed television franchise, MasterChef, officially lands in Nigeria.
At a colourful unveiling ceremony held in Lagos, organizers revealed the judging panel, sponsors, and the grand prize for the show’s debut season.
The competition, which marks the first-ever Nigerian adaptation of the international hit, aims to discover and elevate the nation’s most talented home cooks while celebrating Nigeria’s diverse and vibrant food culture.
Leading the search for the inaugural winner are two of the continent’s most respected culinary authorities, Chef Eros: A celebrated innovator and entrepreneur behind Ìlè Eros, and Chef Stone, the disciplined visionary behind Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School.
The duo is expected to provide a rigorous balance of creative inspiration and technical critique, challenging contestants to push the boundaries of traditional Nigerian cuisine.
In a move that underscores the scale of the production, Power Oil has been announced as the Headline Sponsor. The brand is joined by Sonia as a tactical sponsor, alongside a prestigious list of partners including Indomie, Malta Guinness, Coca-Cola, and Flour Mills of Nigeria.
The high-stakes competition offers a staggering ₦73 million grand prize, alongside the historic title of Nigeria’s first-ever MasterChef.
Speaking at the launch, organizers emphasized that the show is more than a competition, it is a cultural vehicle. By showcasing the talent of diverse home cooks, MasterChef Nigeria intends to place Nigerian gastronomy on the global stage.
The first season of MasterChef Nigeria premieres on April 26th, 2026, at 7:00 PM on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family.
