2025/2026 NNL Super 4: Inter Lagos savour derby triumph despite missing title

Posted : 12 May 2026

Inter Lagos FC assistant coach, Oluwaseun Yusuf Savage, has described his side’s dramatic 1-0 victory over city rivals Sporting Lagos in the Nigerian National League (NNL) Super 4 as a moment that felt as special as lifting the trophy itself.

Although the victory at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne only earned Inter Lagos a second-place finish behind Sporting Lagos on goal difference, Savage insisted the result carried huge emotional significance for the club.

The assistant coach praised his players for delivering in a high-pressure derby clash, noting that pride and local bragging rights became the team’s major motivation heading into the encounter.

“We feel very happy with the result of the final game. Beating Sporting Lagos was like winning the competition itself,” Savage said.

“The players understood the importance of the derby and they were determined to end the tournament strongly. The performance gave everyone joy because we wanted to prove a point.”

Savage further highlighted Inter Lagos’ impressive record against Sporting Lagos over recent years, revealing that his side has maintained an unbeaten run against their Lagos rivals for between three and four years.

According to him, the players approached the decisive clash with the mentality that even if the title slipped away, securing victory over Sporting Lagos was non-negotiable.

“For the past three to four years, we have never lost to Sporting Lagos and the boys carried that confidence into the game.

“They told themselves that if they could not win the trophy, then they had to win the derby for pride. In the end, they achieved that goal and everyone was satisfied.”

Following their successful promotion campaign, Savage disclosed that the team will now take a short break before preparations begin for life in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

He also praised club chairman Lanre Vigo for celebrating the team’s promotion achievement and backing the squad ahead of their maiden NPFL campaign.

“Our immediate plan is to rest and reset before preparations start for the NPFL season because we are entering a bigger stage,” he added.

“The chairman, Lanre Vigo, has already celebrated the team after we secured promotion. With his support and the commitment of the players, we are confident of maintaining our identity and playing quality football in the NPFL next season.”

The victory serves as a massive confidence booster for Inter Lagos as they transition from the NNL to the top flight of Nigerian football. By maintaining their unbeaten streak against their local rivals, the team has established a strong psychological foundation for the challenges ahead. The focus now shifts to the NPFL, where the club aims to replicate its competitive spirit and technical quality on a larger national stage.

2025/2026 NNL Super 4: Inter Lagos savour derby triumph despite missing title

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