MasterChef Nigeria: Preye Eliminated After Undercooked Steak Fails Mystery Box Challenge

MasterChef Nigeria: Preye Eliminated After Undercooked Steak Fails Mystery Box Challenge

LAGOS, Nigeria – Contestant Preye has become the latest home cook to exit MasterChef Nigeria after an undercooked sirloin steak cost him a place in the competition during a high-pressure episode that featured a Blind Taste Test and the season’s first Mystery Box Challenge.

The episode began with seven contestants returning to the kitchen following Demilade’s elimination the previous week. The home cooks were first tested in a Blind Taste Test, where they were required to identify fruits and vegetables using only their sense of taste.

Despite expressing concerns about his ability to identify ingredients accurately, David rose to the challenge, joining Loye and Favy in correctly naming the items presented to them. Their strong performances secured them safety on the gantry, leaving Preye, Derry, Fads and Isabella to battle for survival.

The competition then shifted to the first Mystery Box Challenge of the season, a test designed to evaluate creativity, technical skill and execution under pressure.

After tasting the dishes, the judges placed Isabella and Preye in the bottom two. While Preye’s Roasted Sirloin with Butternut Squash impressed visually and drew praise for its presentation, the judges discovered a critical flaw when assessing the dish.

Judge Chef Eros noted that the steak was undercooked, a mistake considered one of the most serious offences in the MasterChef kitchen. Despite the promise shown by the dish, the error ultimately led to Preye’s elimination from the competition.

Meanwhile, Derry continued her impressive run in the contest, earning the “Dish of the Day” title with a well-executed plate that impressed the judges with its presentation, balance of flavours and technical precision.

Fads also survived elimination after presenting Plantain Tacos that demonstrated creativity and innovation. Although the judges acknowledged her effort, Chef Eros reminded contestants that the competition was entering a crucial phase and that only MasterChef-level performances would suffice.

With Preye’s departure, the remaining contestants move one step closer to the coveted MasterChef title as the competition intensifies and the margin for error continues to shrink.

The culinary contest airs every Sunday at 7 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, with repeat broadcasts on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Looking ahead, the next episode will feature special guest judge Chef Tosan, who will oversee a baking challenge expected to test the contestants' precision, patience and technical expertise. Contestants will be required to navigate one of the most demanding disciplines in the culinary world as they continue their quest for the MasterChef Nigeria crown.

Produced by Primedia Group, MasterChef Nigeria is supported by several leading brands, including Power Oil, Indomie, Dano Milk and Malta Guinness.