This Article Was Last Updated: August 29, 2026 by Victor Odia
Lagos State has three clubs competing in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The state has also produced several former NPFL clubs, making it one of Nigeria’s leading football centres.
The 2026/27 season marks the return of multiple Lagos clubs to Nigeria’s top flight. For a complete breakdown of every club competing across the country, see all NPFL teams by state.
Ikorodu City remain in the NPFL, while Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos secured promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL).
This guide lists every NPFL club based in Lagos State, including current and former top-flight teams. It also covers each club’s home stadium, league status and NPFL history.
Why Lagos Has One of Nigeria’s Largest Concentrations of Professional Football Clubs
Lagos has one of Nigeria’s largest concentrations of professional football clubs because it has the country’s biggest football talent pool, strong private investment, a large business community and a long football tradition. These advantages have helped the city produce more professional clubs than any other Nigerian city.
As the 2026–27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season begins, Lagos has three clubs in the top flight. The city also has several clubs in the Nigeria National League (NNL), Nationwide League One (NLO) and state competitions.
Football is part of everyday life in Lagos. Thousands of young players compete in schools, academies and local leagues every year. Clubs can recruit talented players without looking far from home.
Lagos also attracts sponsors and investors because it is Nigeria’s commercial capital. Many clubs use private funding to improve coaching, youth development and club operations. Together, these factors have made Lagos the country’s leading centre for professional football.
Full List of NPFL Clubs in Lagos State (2026/27)
As of June 2026, the NPFL clubs in Lagos State are Ikorodu City FC, Inter Lagos FC and Sporting Lagos FC.
Lagos has three clubs in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League. Ikorodu City FC retained its place in the top flight. Inter Lagos FC and Sporting Lagos FC won promotion from the Nigeria National League.
| Club | Base | Home Stadium | Capacity | 2026/27 Status |
| Ikorodu City FC | Ikorodu, Lagos State | Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan | 10,000 | Retained its NPFL place for the 2026/27 season. |
| Inter Lagos FC | Lagos | Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan | 10,000 | Promoted to the NPFL for the first time. |
| Sporting Lagos FC | Lagos | Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan | 10,000 | Returned to the NPFL after promotion. |
The three clubs are expected to play their home matches at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, subject to final NPFL approval. See the complete list of Nigeria Premier Football League clubs by state to compare Lagos with other states.
Former NPFL Clubs in Lagos State
Former NPFL clubs from Lagos State include:
- Stationery Stores FC
- Julius Berger FC
- First Bank FC
- Union Bank FC
- MFM FC
- NEPA FC
- Ikorodu United FC
- Police Machine FC
- Mandilas FC
- National Bank FC
- WEMA Bank FC
- NPA FC
These clubs previously competed in Nigeria’s top division but are not part of the 2026/27 NPFL season.
Lagos NPFL Teams and Their Home Stadiums
Ikorodu City FC
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | January 2022 |
| Based in | Ikorodu, Lagos |
| League | Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) |
| Home Stadium | Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan), Lagos |
| Stadium Capacity | 10,000 |
Ikorodu City FC represents Ikorodu in the NPFL. The club earned promotion in 2024 after two seasons in the Nigeria National League (NNL). It plays its home matches at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.
Club Achievements
- Promoted to the NPFL in 2024.
- Finished fourth in its debut NPFL season (2024/25).
- Reached the 2026 President Federation Cup final.
Inter Lagos FC
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 2023 |
| Based in | Lagos |
| League | Nigeria Premier Football League (2026/27) |
| Home Stadium | Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan), Lagos |
| Stadium Capacity | 10,000 |
Inter Lagos FC secured promotion to the NPFL for the 2026/27 season after winning the NNL Conference A. The club plays its home matches at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena and focuses on youth development and sustainable growth.
Club Ambitions
Inter Lagos aims to develop young talent, compete consistently in the NPFL and challenge for domestic honours.
Major Milestones
- Founded in 2023.
- Won the 2025 Lagos State FA Cup.
- Secured promotion to the 2026/27 NPFL.
- Qualified for the 2026 NNL Super Four.
Sporting Lagos FC
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | February 2022 |
| Based in | Lagos |
| League | Nigeria Premier Football League (2026/27) |
| Home Stadium | Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan), Lagos |
| Stadium Capacity | 10,000 |
Sporting Lagos FC returned to the NPFL for the 2026/27 season after winning the NNL Southern Conference B. The club plays its home matches at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Club Achievements
- Won the inaugural Naija Super 8 in 2023.
- Earned promotion to the NPFL in 2023.
- Won the NNL Southern Conference B in 2026.
- Won the 2026 NNL Super Four.
Fan Culture
Sporting Lagos has built one of the NPFL’s most active fan communities through lively matchday support, strong social media engagement and community events.
Stadiums Used by NPFL Clubs in Lagos (2026)
All Lagos-based NPFL clubs—Ikorodu City, Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos—play their home matches at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan. The Teslim Balogun Stadium serves as a potential alternative venue once renovation and NPFL approval are complete.
| Stadium | Club(s) | Location | Capacity |
| Mobolaji Johnson Arena | Ikorodu City, Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos | Onikan, Lagos Island | 10,000 |
| Teslim Balogun Stadium | Alternative venue (subject to NPFL approval) | Surulere, Lagos | 24,325 |
Mobolaji Johnson Arena
The Mobolaji Johnson Arena is the primary NPFL stadium in Lagos. Ikorodu City, Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos all use the stadium for home league matches during the 2026/27 season. See the full list of NPFL stadiums in Nigeria.
Teslim Balogun Stadium
The Teslim Balogun Stadium does not host regular NPFL matches as of June 2026. The Lagos State Government is renovating the stadium to return it to league use after it receives NPFL approval.
Why Lagos NPFL Clubs Use Alternative Stadiums
Stadium selection is governed by the league’s competition regulations and venue requirements. Lagos clubs may switch to another approved stadium when:
- Renovation or maintenance affects their home ground.
- Fixture clashes occur at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
- The NPFL requires a venue change.
- Officials protect the pitch from excessive use.
- Other events occupy the stadium.
