Susan Abayomi
Nigerian cooking enthusiasts and lovers of quality television entertainment are set for an exciting experience as MasterChef Nigeria makes its debut on the NTA Network, taking its culinary competition and celebration of Nigerian food culture to a wider audience.
The popular cooking show is scheduled to begin airing on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m., with repeat broadcasts every Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
The move to the NTA Network is expected to significantly expand the programme’s reach, bringing its blend of cooking, entertainment, creativity and inspiring personal stories to viewers across the country.
MasterChef Nigeria has established itself as a platform for identifying and nurturing culinary talent while highlighting Nigeria’s diverse food culture. Beyond the competition itself, the programme provides contestants with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, creativity, discipline and determination.
This season features renowned chefs Chef Stone and Chef Eros as judges. Their culinary knowledge and experience will be put to work as they assess contestants through a series of demanding challenges designed to test their creativity and cooking abilities.
Contestants will face different stages of competition, including challenges, pressure tests, team challenges and elimination rounds, as they compete for a prize package valued at ₦73 million.
However, the programme promises to offer more than competition. Viewers will also witness stories of ambition, perseverance and personal growth as contestants pursue their culinary dreams.
According to Niyi Oyedeji, Showrunner of MasterChef Nigeria, the decision to bring the programme to the NTA Network is aimed at making its entertainment and inspirational content accessible to a much larger Nigerian audience.
Oyedeji described the show as more than a television programme, noting that it celebrates talent, culture and opportunities while giving viewers the chance to learn from experienced culinary professionals.
Each episode is expected to combine entertainment with practical lessons, including cooking techniques, recipes, entrepreneurship and insights into Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.
The programme is produced by Primedia Group and supported by several Nigerian brands, including Power Oil, Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Sonia Tomato, Kiara Rice and products from the Golden Penny brand.
With its move to the NTA Network, MasterChef Nigeria is set to bring the excitement of competitive cooking to an even broader audience while continuing to showcase Nigerian talent, food and culture.
For many viewers, the programme promises to be a weekly celebration of flavour, creativity and the determination of Nigerians pursuing their passion in the culinary industry.
