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's home games are played at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan Stadium, one of Nigeria's oldest stadiums in Lagos.[2] The club was founded in 2023 by Lanre Vigo, Olumide Fayankin, Gatumi Aliyu, and Oluwatosin Fashoyin.[3][4]
The club was founded in 2023 by Lanre Vigo, Olumide Fayankin, and Gatumi Aliyu. On 18 November 2023, Inter didn't start well in the 2023-24 Nigeria National League and climbed to the top of the table in the group stage. 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. On 8 March 2024, the club marked the International Women's Day with a special edition jersey featuring the faces of inspirational African women.[5]
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.[8] 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.[9]
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,[10] and lost to Ikorodu City F.C. at the final by 2 goals on 31 March.[11] 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.[12][13]
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.[14] On 2 May 2024, Inter made its first appearance at the Nigerian Federation Cup, playing against May & Frank FC, and winning by 6 goals.[15]