For the first time in decades, Lagos will once again experience the thrill of top-flight football as three clubs from the state compete in the 2026/2027 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season. Ikorodu City, Inter Lagos, and Sporting Lagos are set to reignite old rivalries, bringing back memories of the 1970s and 1980s when Lagos was a hub for football clubs with massive fan bases.
A Look Back at Lagos Football History
In the 1970s and 1980s, Lagos boasted numerous top clubs such as Stationery Stores FC, First Bank FC, Union Bank FC, NEPA FC, Railway FC, Police FC, Mandillas Lions FC, IBWA FC, National Bank FC, WEMA Bank FC, NET FC, Nigerdock FC, NPA FC, ITT FC, and Court of Appeal FC. These clubs drew passionate supporters who treated match fixtures like religious texts. However, over time, many of these clubs either became extinct or dropped to lower divisions, extinguishing the excitement.
Revival of Lagos Football
Recent changes in the state's football ecosystem are rewriting the narrative. Young and visionary sports entrepreneurs are revitalizing league football in Lagos. Unlike many other states, the Lagos government has never directly owned clubs, but the vibrant business environment has attracted individuals and corporate investors to sports. With no top-flight club from Lagos in recent years, fans have long agitated for change.
Ikorodu City: The Trailblazer
Ikorodu City sparked the revolution four years ago. Founded in January 2022 as a community club by a board led by Sanmi Doherty, it focused on nurturing local talents. The club gained promotion to the NPFL two years later and narrowly missed continental football in its debut 2024/2025 season. In the ongoing campaign, Ikorodu City is challenging for the title, competing against traditional powerhouses like Shooting Stars, Kano Pillars, and Enugu Rangers. Their adopted home ground, Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium), has become a gathering point for Lagosians on matchdays, reviving the atmosphere of old.
Inter Lagos: A Historic Promotion
Inter Lagos FC, founded in 2023 by Lanre Vigo, Olumide Fayankin, and Gatumi Aliyu, secured a historic promotion to the NPFL from the Nigeria National League (NNL). A 1-1 draw against Smart City FC confirmed their top spot in NNL Conference A with 29 points from 15 matches. The club will compete in the NPFL next season and participate in the Super 4 play-off starting May 1st at Remo Stars Stadium. CEO Lanre Vigo expressed elation, saying, 'I can't put it into words. We are definitely going to bring good football, enjoy the journey, and make sure we survive.' He also highlighted challenges in the NNL, particularly poor pitch conditions and safety concerns.
Sporting Lagos: A Record-Breaking Return
Sporting Lagos, founded in 2022 by Shola Akinlade, completes the trio. After relegation two years ago, the club secured promotion back to the NPFL in record-breaking fashion. Under coach Jeffery Buter, who took over from Shola Adegun, the team maintained its core and added academy players. Sporting Lagos amassed 36 points from 18 matches, with 11 wins and three draws, scoring 31 goals. They recorded their biggest home and away wins: 5-1 away at Stormers SC and 5-0 at home against First Bank FC. The club vowed to sustain its top-flight status, promising fans that 'this promotion is just the beginning.'
Renewed Rivalry in Lagos
The return of these three clubs has inadvertently revived football rivalry in Lagos, reminiscent of old clashes like Stationery Stores vs. First Bank. All three clubs share Onikan Stadium as their home ground, creating a unique city derby dynamic. This development promises significant commercial value through sponsorship, merchandise, and ticket sales, bringing back the glory days of Lagos football.
