MasterChef Nigeria Unveils Judges and N73 Million Prize

MasterChef Nigeria has officially announced its judges and the launch of a cooking competition with a prize of N73 million, aimed at showcasing Nigerian culinary talent on a global stage. Niyi Oyedeji, the showrunner, described the competition as a bold statement positioning Nigeria within the global fine dining conversation.

The judges include Chef Stone, founder of Cook Jar, and Chef Ero, who will spearhead the search for Nigeria's next culinary talent. The competition is set to air on Africa Magic, with the first season premiering on April 26, 2026.

The entry call will close within a week, and the selection process will include video submissions and live cook-offs. The winner will receive the cash prize and opportunities for global exposure and mentorship.

Oyedeji emphasized the program's unique format, which combines culinary education and entertainment, aiming to transform home cooks into master chefs.