Inter Lagos F.C.

Last updated
Inter Lagos F.C.
Inter Lagos F.C.jpg
Full nameInter Lagos Football Club
Nickname(s)Interlawa FC
Founded2023;2 years ago (2023)
Stadium Mobolaji Johnson Arena
Capacity10,000
Owner
  • Lanre Vigo
  • Olumide Fayankin
  • Gatumi Aliyu
CEO Lanre Vigo
ManagerGabriel Adigwe
CoachShakiru Biodun Giwa
League Nigeria National League
Websitewww.theinterlagos.com

Inter Lagos commonly referred to as The Pride of Lagos, [1] is a Nigerian professional football club based in Lagos, and plays in the Nigeria National League. Inter Lagos home games are played at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan Stadium, one of Nigeria's oldest stadiums in Lagos, [2] Inter Lagos is regarded as Sporting Lagos revival in the Lagos State Football Association since its debut in 2023.

Contents

History

The club was founded in 2023 by Lanre Vigo, Olumide Fayankin, and Gatumi Aliyu. [3] [4] On 18 November 2023, Inter Lagos made its first debut at the 2023-24 Nigeria National League. The team started well in the league but lost its first few games. On 6 January 2024, it recorded its first home win against Gateway United by 1 goal. In the group stage of the NNL, Inter Lagos climbed to the top of its group. On 8 March 2024, the club marked International Women's Day with a special edition jersey featuring the faces of inspirational African women. [5] On 13 March 2024, it made its first debut in the State FA Cup. The team played well in the knockout round of the Lagos State FA Cup and qualified for the 2024 Nigeria Federation Cup in its first attempt in the State FA Cup.[ citation needed ]

On 2 May 2024, Inter Lagos debuted at 2024 Nigeria Federation Cup, and won by 6 goals against May & Frank F.C. in the first round. On 22 May 2024, Inter Lagos defeated Hammola FC On 12 May 2024, it qualified for the Nigeria National League Super 8 promotional stage, competing against 7 clubs for the champion of the Nigeria National League after winning its last group-stage match against Ijebu United by 2 goals. [6] On 22 May 2024, it defeated Hammola FC after playing penalties in the second round, and the match finished 0–0 in regulation time. [7] On 24 May 2024, Nigeria Federation Cup released its 16 fixture in the final round with Inter Lagos competing against 15 teams. [8] On 29 May 2024, it defeated Ikorodu City FC after playing penalties in the third round, and the match finished 1–1 in regulation time, and qualified for the quarter-final for the Federation Cup. [9] On 7 February 2025, Inter Lagos sacks its head coach, Gabriel Ezema. [10] On 16 March 2025, the club announces new partnership with Lotus Bank, as the official sponsor of their Jerssey. [11] On 19 March 2025, Inter Lagos appointed Shakiru Biodun Giwa as the new head coach. [12]

In the 2025 Lagos State FA Cup final, Inter Lagos claimed the championship title after a goalless draw against Ikorodu City. The match was decided by a penalty shootout, in which Inter Lagos triumphed 5–4. [13] The team qualified for the 2025 Nigeria Federation Cup, with Ikorodu City in which the both team represented Lagos. On 16 April 2025, Akwa United defeated Inter Lagos 1–0 in the final round of the competition to secure qualification for the quarter-finals. As a result, Ikorodu City remained the only Lagos-based team to reach the semi-finals. However, their campaign ended following a goalless draw against Abakaliki, who advanced to the final after winning 5–4 in the ensuing penalty shootout.

League history

2023-24:Nigeria National League

As of 15 June 2024
PerformanceQualification or relegation
LeagueSeasonAppsWDL
Nigeria National League 2023-24 [14] [15] 221129 Nigeria National League

In the 2023–24 season of the Nigeria National League, Inter Lagos made its first debut on 18 November 2023 in the promotional group stage of the league. On 6 January 2024, the club recorded its first home win and climbed to the top of the table in Group B stage. [16] On 12 May 2024, it qualifies for the Nigeria National League Super 8, competing against 7 clubs for the champion of the Nigeria National League to be held in Enugu from 7 June to 14 June 2024 after winning its last group-stage match against Ijebu United by 2 goals. [6]

On 10 June 2024, Inter Lagos debuted at the Nigeria National League Super 8 playoff and lost by 1 goal to Madiba FC in its first appearance, and the match finished 2–1 in regulation time. Inter Lagos midfielder Uchenna Njoku was honored with the Man of the Match award by the Nigeria National League after the game. On 12 June 2024, Inter Lagos lost its second game by 1 goal to Beyond Limits FC, and the match finished 1-0 in regulation time. The 2023-24 Nigeria National League was won by Beyond Limits FC.

2024:Lagos State FA Cup

As of 3 April 2024
PerformanceQualification or relegation
LeagueSeasonAppsWDL
Lagos State FA Cup 2024 4301Qualification for the Nigeria Federation Cup

On 24 October 2023, Nigeria Football Federation announced dates for the state federation cup, to pick 2 clubs to represent each state, including FCT at Nigeria Federation Cup. Inter Lagos debuted on 13 March 2024 at the Lagos State FA Cup and went to the semi-finals, winning 2 - 0 against its rival Sporting Lagos F.C. on 28 March, [17] and lost to Ikorodu City F.C. at the final by 2 goals on 31 March. [18] On 27 March 2024, the Nigeria National League confirmed its weekend fixtures for the last week of March to resume on Tuesday, 2 April 2024, in line with the NFF's directive to conclude the 2024 Federation Cup matches on March 30th and 31st, as NNL club's like Inter Lagos will participate in the finals. [19] [20]

2024: Nigeria Federation Cup

As of 6 May 2024
Performance
LeagueSeasonAppsWDL
Nigeria Federation Cup 2024 51 (2 p)22

On 7 April 2024, the Nigeria Football Federation announced the Federation Cup play-off to begin in five cities on 11 April 2024 with Inter Lagos F.C., and Ikorodu City F.C. representing Lagos State. [21] On 2 May 2024, Inter made its first appearance at the Nigerian Federation Cup, playing against May & Frank FC, and winning by 6 goals. [22] On 22 May 2024, Inter Lagos defeated Hammola FC after playing penalties in the second round, and the match finished 0–0 in regulation time.

Players

First-team squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer [23]
22 GK Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Faith James
9 DF Flag of Sierra Leone.svg  SLE Abdul Sesay
3 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Femi Ladeinde
5 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Semiu Liadi
28 GK Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Favour Bala
26 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Lawrence Noah
27 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Owoade Segun
32 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA ThankGod Joseph
15 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Nwaigwe Pascal
8 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Daniel Onyia
23 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Chichin Akande
11 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Uchenna Njoku
25 FW Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Omosebi Babatunde
20 FW Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Obia Tony
No.Pos.NationPlayer
10 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Othuke Egbo
14 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Favour Aroyameh
16 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Godspower Akikoremowei
19 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Doyinsola Omotosho
12 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Jibrin Kashim
29 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Akintola Wale
6 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Nnamani Chisimdi
4 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Ifeanyi Eneh
24 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Dennis Mse
18 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Buhari Saheed
7 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Taheer Abubakar
17 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Sani Ibrahim
30 FW Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Zachariah Timothy
21 FW Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Emeka Sbusiso Eke

Technical crew

As of 15 July 2025
PositionNameYears
Head coach
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Shakiru Biodun Giwa
2025–present
Assistant coach
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Bamidele Johnson
2023–present
1st team coach
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Oluwaseun Savage
2023–present
Goalkeeper coach
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Jimmy Bello
2023–present
IT Coach
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Omokodion Gerrisyn
2023–present
Chief Scout
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Olasubomi Balogun
2023–present
Match analyst
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Oluwatosin Ademola Adekugba
2023–present
Kit Manager
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Udenze Henry
2023–present

Club management

As of 23 May 2024
PositionNameYears
CEO2023–present
COO
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Oluwatosin Fashoyin
2023–present
DFEC
  • Flag of Nigeria.svg Ifechukwu Okoro
2023–present

Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

PeriodKit manufacturerShirt sponsor
2023-2025TBAVendease
2024-Sèon SportsLotus Bank

References

  1. Nigeria, Guardian (29 January 2024). "Excitement builds as Inter Lagos prepares to unveil its dynamic vision in exclusive launch event". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  2. Chukwu, Chibuike (31 January 2024). "Excitement As Inter Lagos Football Club Is Formally Launched". Independent Newspaper Nigeria. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  3. Olufemi, Damilola (30 January 2024). "Inter Lagos FC set for unveiling". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  4. "Inter Lagos Inspires a Movement for Local Football, Aims to Foster Unity and Growth through Sustainable Sporting Initiatives". Pulse Sports Nigeria. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  5. "Inter Lagos FC marks IWD with iconic jersey tribute". The Nation. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  6. 1 2 Adewale, Abiodun (12 May 2024). "Inter Lagos, Ikorodu City complete NNL playoff spots". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  7. "President's Federation Cup: MEN'S ROUND OF 32 RESULTS". NFF. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  8. Adewale, Abiodun (23 May 2024). "Lagos derby highlights Fed Cup last 16 fixtures". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  9. "NNL Clubs' Giant Slaying Runs in President Federation Cup Excite Aluo – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com.
  10. Adesanya, Taiwo (7 February 2025). "NNL: Inter Lagos sack head coach, Gabriel Ezema". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  11. Omisakin, Dotun. "Inter Lagos secure sponsorship deal with LOTUS Bank". Daily Trust. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  12. Adesanya, Taiwo (19 March 2025). "NNL: Giwa appointed Inter Lagos head coach". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  13. Ochicha, Lovette (23 February 2025). "2025 State FA Cup Finals: Highlights and Results". Sports247 Nigeria. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  14. "Inter Lagos results". Flashscore Nigeria. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  15. "Int'l Lagos FC". Nigeria National League. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  16. "Inter Lagos Go Joint Top of NNL Table, Set for Launch Wednesday". THISDAYLIVE. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  17. Yusuf, Tumininu (29 March 2024). "Inter Lagos shocks Sporting Lagos with a Commanding Victory Over Sporting Lagos in the State FA Cup Final". FootballLive NG. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  18. "NNL clubs' remarkable show at states Federation Cup, a positive development - Aluo". The Sun Nigeria. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  19. Busari, Niyi. "NNL 24: Tony Obia Targets Promotion For Inter Lagos". BSN Sports. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  20. Adesanya, Taiwo (30 March 2024). "NNL commends team's performance in 2024 State Federation Cup". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  21. Media, NFF. "2024 Federation Cup competition gets into next gear with National Play-Off games". The NFF Official Website. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  22. Areo, Samuel (3 May 2024). "Federation Cup: Rivers United set up Tornadoes clash". ACLSports. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  23. "Inter Lagos Players". Inter Lagos F.C. Retrieved 22 March 2024.