Nagaland United SC Makes History as First Club From Nagaland to Enter Indian Football League

Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) is set to make history by becoming the first club from Nagaland to compete in the Indian Football League (IFL), marking a significant milestone for football in the northeastern state. 

Based in Chümoukedima, the club will begin its debut campaign in the 2026-27 season when the national second-tier competition kicks off on October 30. The club formally marked its entry into the league on Thursday, October 22, with the inauguration of its club office and Elevenses Cafe Lounge at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence in Sovima. Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio attended the programme, underlining the importance of the development for the state’s sporting ambitions.

For Nagaland, NUSC’s entry represents more than the arrival of another club in a national competition. It creates a pathway for local footballers to move from village and district competitions towards the state and national levels, with the possibility of pursuing careers in the wider professional game.

“We are extremely happy and proud that Nagaland United Sports Club is playing in the Indian Football League for the first time. This is the beginning of a journey, and I hope the club will give its best and make this dream come true, inspiring the youth of Nagaland and Nagas wherever they are,” Rio said.

Founded in 2024 by local leaders, sportspeople and supporters, NUSC was established with the objective of creating opportunities for young footballers in Nagaland. The club made its competitive debut in the inaugural Nagaland Super League in 2025, the state’s top-tier competition organised by the Nagaland Football Association, and finished third.

Less than two years after its formation, the club is now preparing for a significantly greater challenge. Competing in the IFL will expose NUSC to opponents from across the country and provide its players with an opportunity to test themselves in a national league environment.

The club’s entry into the competition came through an arrangement with Aizawl FC, under which NUSC took over the Mizoram club’s IFL sporting rights. The arrangement received approval from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The IFL Governing Council has also welcomed Nagaland as one of the new venues for the 2026-27 season. NUSC will play its home matches at Chümoukedima Football Stadium in Dimapur, bringing national league fixtures to the state.

The club joins Shillong Lajong and Chanmari in representing the Northeast in the IFL, further expanding the region’s presence in the competition.

Rio Emphasises Grassroots Development

Addressing the gathering, Rio highlighted the broader objective behind establishing the club: creating a structured pathway for talented players to progress beyond local competitions.

“The intention behind building this club is to create a platform and opportunity for our talented youth, so that they can progress from playing in villages, districts and communities to the state and national levels. If they excel, we should also dream of seeing them play on international platforms,” he said.

The emphasis on player development is particularly relevant as NUSC enters a league that will demand greater consistency, preparation and professionalism. The club will need to adapt to the demands of national competition while building a sustainable structure for its players and coaching staff.

Rio also called on the club’s management, coaches, officials and players to approach the season with discipline and commitment.

“I request the coaches, officials, management and players to show commitment and sincerity, play with discipline and professionalism, respect their opponents and uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship. Our target must be to aim for the top, and I hope the team will give its best and inspire our young generation to dream bigger,” he said.

The programme was attended by Temjen Imna Along, Nagaland’s Minister for Tourism and Higher Education; KT Sukhalu, MLA from Zunheboto and Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies; and Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister.

Representing NUSC were co-founders Rusemtong Longkumer and Kechangulie Rio, along with club president John Longkumer. Nildeep Mondal, CEO of the Indian Football League, and Abhishek Yadav, Head of Operations at the IFL, also attended. Discussions included future development activities, grassroots football and other opportunities in Nagaland.

NUSC’s first competitive test will arrive quickly. The club is scheduled to face Real Kashmir away from home at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on October 30, in the opening match of the 2026-27 IFL season. The fixture will offer an immediate measure of the challenge facing the debutants. An away match against an established league opponent will test the squad’s preparation as it begins life at the national level.

NUSC will subsequently look to make its home ground in Chümoukedima a platform for building support and establishing its identity in the competition. Hosting national league matches also provides local supporters with an opportunity to watch their state’s club compete against teams from across India.

The celebrations continued on Thursday evening with the IFL Trophy Tour programme at Zone Niathu, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima. The event brought the league trophy to Nagaland ahead of the new season.

NUSC also unveiled the three jerseys it will wear during its debut campaign, formally introducing the kits for its first season in the national competition.

As the October 30 opener approaches, the club’s immediate focus will be on preparing for the demands of the IFL. Its longer-term significance, however, extends beyond results: NUSC’s arrival gives Nagaland a presence in national league football and creates a new platform for the state’s aspiring players.

For a club founded only in 2024, reaching the national second tier represents rapid progress. The next challenge is to translate that milestone into competitive performances and build a pathway that allows more footballers from Nagaland to pursue opportunities at the highest levels of the Indian game.