Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) is set to make history as the first club from Nagaland to compete in the Indian Football League (IFL), marking a significant milestone for football in the northeastern state.
The Chümoukedima-based club will begin its debut campaign in the 2026–27 season on October 30, carrying Nagaland’s aspirations onto the national football stage. Its entry marks a major step forward for the state’s footballing ambitions and creates a new pathway for local talent to progress from grassroots competitions to the national level.
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio attended the club’s inaugural programme at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence in Sovima on Thursday, where NUSC inaugurated its club office and the Elevenses Cafe Lounge.
Congratulating the club on its achievement, Dr Rio expressed pride in Nagaland’s entry into the national league and voiced hope that the team would inspire young footballers across the state and the wider Naga community.
“We are extremely happy and proud that Nagaland United Sports Club is playing in the Indian Football League for the first time,” the Chief Minister said, describing the development as the beginning of a promising journey.
He emphasised that the club was established to provide talented youngsters with opportunities to progress from village, district and community-level football to state and national competitions, with the ultimate ambition of reaching international platforms.
Dr Rio also urged the club’s management, coaching staff and players to maintain discipline, professionalism and sportsmanship, stressing that the team should aim high and inspire the next generation.
The programme was attended by Nagaland Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along and other dignitaries. NUSC was represented by its co-founders, Rusemtong Longkumer and Kechangulie Rio, and club president John Longkumer.
Representatives of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the IFL, including league CEO Nildeep Mondal and Head of Operations Abhishek Yadav, also attended the event. Discussions focused on grassroots football development and other initiatives to strengthen the sport in Nagaland.
From grassroots football to the national league:
Founded in 2024 by local leaders, sportspeople and football supporters, NUSC was established to create a competitive platform for young footballers in Nagaland. The club made its competitive debut in the inaugural Nagaland Super League in 2025, organised by the Nagaland Football Association, finishing third in the state’s top-tier competition.
In less than two years, the club has progressed to national league football, underlining the growing ambition to develop a stronger football ecosystem in Nagaland.
NUSC secured its place in the IFL through an arrangement with Mizoram-based Aizawl FC, approved by the AIFF, under which the Nagaland club took over Aizawl FC’s sporting rights in the competition.
The club will play its home matches at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, bringing national league fixtures to Nagaland and giving local supporters an opportunity to watch IFL football on home soil.
Nagaland’s inclusion also expands the Northeast’s representation in the competition. NUSC joins regional clubs such as Shillong Lajong and Chanmari in the IFL, further strengthening the region’s presence in Indian football.
Real Kashmir await in season opener:
NUSC faces an immediate challenge in its first national league campaign, with the club scheduled to play the opening match of the 2026–27 IFL season against Real Kashmir FC at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on October 30.
The away fixture will provide an early test of the team’s readiness as it begins its journey in the national competition.
Ahead of the season, the IFL Trophy Tour programme was held at Zone Niathu, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Thursday, bringing the league trophy to Nagaland. The club also unveiled the three jerseys it will wear during its historic debut campaign.
NUSC’s entry into the IFL represents more than a new chapter for the club. It offers Nagaland’s aspiring footballers a stronger connection to the national game, with hopes that the team’s journey will encourage greater participation, investment and development in the state’s footballing future.
(Inputs from AIFF)
