NPFL Clubs in Lagos: Full List of Lagos-Based Teams (2026)

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many NPFL clubs are in Lagos?

As of June 2026, Lagos has three NPFL clubs: Ikorodu City FC, Sporting Lagos FC and Inter Lagos FC.

What are the NPFL clubs in Lagos?

The Lagos NPFL clubs are Ikorodu City FC, Sporting Lagos FC and Inter Lagos FC.

Which NPFL club plays at Mobolaji Johnson Arena?

Ikorodu City FC, Sporting Lagos FC and Inter Lagos FC all play at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Is Sporting Lagos still in the NPFL?

Yes. Sporting Lagos earned promotion and will compete in the 2026/27 NPFL season.

Which is the oldest football club in Lagos?

Stationery Stores FC, founded in 1958, is the oldest surviving football club in Lagos.

Which Lagos club has won the most trophies?

Stationery Stores FC has won the most major trophies among Lagos football clubs.

Where does Ikorodu City FC play?

Ikorodu City FC plays its home matches at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Which stadiums do Lagos NPFL clubs use?

As of June 2026, all three Lagos NPFL clubs use Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Which is the biggest football club in Lagos?

Historically, Stationery Stores FC is regarded as the biggest football club in Lagos.

Which Lagos clubs have played in the NPFL?

Lagos clubs to have played in the NPFL include Stationery Stores FC, Julius Berger FC, First Bank FC, Union Bank FC, National Bank FC, NEPA FC, MFM FC, Ikorodu United FC, Sporting Lagos FC, Ikorodu City FC and Inter Lagos FC.

What is the biggest football stadium in Lagos?

The National Stadium, Surulere, is the biggest football stadium in Lagos, with a capacity of about 45,000.

Which Lagos football clubs have played in continental competitions?

Stationery Stores FC, Julius Berger FC and MFM FC have represented Lagos in CAF club competitions.

Conclusion

The 2026/27 NPFL season features three Lagos clubs. Ikorodu City FC and Sporting Lagos FC play at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, while Inter Lagos FC is expected to use the same venue, subject to final NPFL approval.

Former Lagos-based NPFL clubs, including Stationery Stores FC, Julius Berger FC, Leventis United FC, MFM FC and Ikorodu United FC, helped shape Nigerian domestic football and remain an important part of the city’s football history.

You can also explore the latest NPFL title winners, current NPFL top scorers and the league’s prize money structure.