Lagos, Nigeria – July 2026 – After 13 weeks of unforgettable
challenges, bold flavours and inspiring determination, 26-year-old
Favour Bessan, better known as Favy, has been crowned the winner of
MasterChef Nigeria Season 1, taking home the coveted MasterChef
Nigeria trophy and the ₦73 million cash prize.
The historic finale saw Favy go head-to-head with fierce competitor
Fads in a gruelling challenge that drew on every skill they had
acquired or honed throughout the competition. Judged by renowned
culinary experts, Chef Stone and Chef Eros, this showdown proved to be
the ultimate measure of both contestants’ creativity, composure,
decision-making and excellence.
For their final assignment, the two home cooks were tasked with
creating a three-course menu that reflected their culinary identity.
Before cooking began, Chef Stone encouraged them with a simple yet
powerful instruction: “Cook from your heart. Put yourself on the
plate.”
Favy rose to the occasion with a menu that reflected confidence,
technique and imagination. For her starter, she served smoked salmon
with potato mash and roasted bell pepper soup. Her carefully curated
menu impressed the judges with its balance of flavour, presentation
and storytelling, ultimately earning her the title of Nigeria’s first
MasterChef.
Favy’s victory marked the culmination of one of the season’s most
remarkable journeys. Throughout the competition, she consistently
demonstrated resilience, poise under pressure, and an unwavering
commitment to growth. She also made history as the first contestant to
win the _MasterChef Nigeria_ Immunity Pin, a strategic advantage that
proved pivotal in securing her place in the semi-finals.
Speaking after being announced as the winner, an emotional Favy
described the moment as “a dream come true” and dedicated the
achievement to every aspiring home cook who believes that passion,
perseverance and hard work can open extraordinary doors.
Since premiering on 26 April 2026, MasterChef Nigeria has captured
the hearts of audiences across the country, celebrating the richness
of Nigerian cuisine while showcasing the incredible talent of everyday
home cooks. Over 13 weeks, viewers watched contestants transform as
they navigated pressure tests, mystery boxes, team cook-offs and
eliminations, highlighting the depth and diversity of Nigeria’s
culinary landscape.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural season, Tamara van
Eeckhoven, Managing Director of Primedia Africa, the producer of
MasterChef Nigeria, thanked the contestants, judges, headline
sponsor Power Oil, and all the sponsors and partners, whose invaluable
contributions brought the series to life.
The show’s sponsors include headline sponsors Power Oil, Addme,
Minimie Chinchin, Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Kellogg’s and
Power Pasta, together with supporting sponsors Sonia Tomato Mix,
Pretty Lady Rice, Wild Africa, South African Tourism, Lagos Fashion
Week, Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Sugar, Golden Penny Garri,
Golden Penny Semolina, Golden Penny Chocolate Spread, Golden Penny
Wheat, Deli and Kola, Simi Teds, and The Alternative Bank.
She also expressed her gratitude to the millions of viewers whose
support made _MasterChef Nigeria _a resounding success.
“_MasterChef Nigeria_ was created to celebrate the nation’s
extraordinary culinary talent, and the response to this first season
has been truly remarkable. Favy’s journey embodies everything the
competition stands for – passion, resilience, creativity and
excellence. We congratulate her on making history and celebrate every
contestant who inspired audiences throughout this unforgettable
season,” van Eeckhoven said.
As the first season draws to a close, _MasterChef Nigeria_ leaves
behind more than just a winner. It has sparked a national celebration
of food, inspired aspiring culinary talent across the country, and
reinforced Nigeria’s standing as one of the world’s most exciting
culinary destinations.
For Favy, this victory marks the start of a new chapter. For
MasterChef Nigeria, it is the beginning of a legacy that promises to
help shape the future of Nigerian cuisine for years to come.
For exclusive winner interviews, recipes, behind-the-scenes content,
and updates on future seasons, visit www.masterchefnigeria.com [1] and
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