Nigerian Chef Rita Igbinoba to Represent Africa on Global Culinary Show MasterChef 

Nigerian chef Rita Igbinoba is set to represent Africa on the global stage as a contestant on MasterChef Season 16, titled Global Gauntlet, where participants are competing for a $250,000 grand prize. She is joined by fellow Nigerian contestant Peter Olaniyi, with both representing Nigeria and Africa in the competition.

Rita, a native of Benin City, Edo State, is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her place in the competition after securing a white apron during the audition stage, a key requirement for entry into the main contest. 

During her audition, she presented a reinterpretation of a Nigerian staple, preparing a jollof-inspired risotto served with suya-spiced steak and broccolini. The dish drew mixed but ultimately positive reactions from the judging panel, including Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Tiffany Derry.

Season 16 of MasterChef, which premiered in April 2026, adopts a global format that groups contestants by region, including Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. Participants compete not only as individuals but as representatives of their culinary heritage.

MasterChef, created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, has helped launch many culinary careers across more than 70 countries. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the most successful cookery show in the world, it has aired over 700 seasons and 16,000 episodes.