Nagaland: Nitsuyan FC clinch 15th Lotha Football C’ship title

The 15th Lotha Football Championship concluded in grand fashion at the public ground, Wokha, as Nitsuyan FC lifted the coveted trophy after a commanding 5–0 win over Nyiro Range FC in the final.
In a one-sided contest, Nitsuyan FC asserted dominance from the outset. Star striker Ayenmongba stole the show with a first-half hat-trick, scoring in the 12th, 17th and 26th minutes to put his team firmly in control.
The second half saw further goals from Mhabemo Kikon (77th minute) and Yiben Ezung (81st minute), sealing a comprehensive victory. Nyiro Range FC, despite spirited efforts, failed to break through Nitsuyan’s disciplined defence.
The triumph adds another feather to Nitsuyan FC’s cap, following their earlier success at the Sanis Range Sports Association Trophy. Captain Pongshithung Yanthan dedicated the win to his late father, C. Peter Yanthan, founder of both the team and Nitsuyan village, while thanking supporters for their encouragement and crediting team unity for the achievement.
The championship carried prize money of Rs. 2 lakh for the winners and Rs. 1 lakh for the runners-up, while the two losing semi-finalists received Rs. 25,000 each.
Individual honours were also presented to Ayenmongba (Player of the Tournament), Yiben Ezung (Highest Goal Scorer), Imtisashi of Nyiro Range FC (Best Goalkeeper), Mhabemo Kikon (Best Defender), Nchumthung Kikon of Nyiro Range FC (Best Midfielder), and 19-year-old Elishan Ezung (Emerging Player of the Tournament).
Special guest Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA announced that the 4.2-acre public ground will remain under government guardianship for public programmes and revealed plans for an astro turf and indoor stadium at Longsa village. He lauded Wokha’s passion for football, calling it a unifying force in the community.
Nagaland Football Association (NFA) president Neibou Sekhose congratulated the Wokha District Football Association for its consistent organisation of the championship and highlighted Nagaland’s rise into the top 12 footballing states in India.
NFA representative Medolenuo Ambrosia, fresh from a FIFA–AIFF workshop, praised Wokha’s efforts in promoting women’s football and expressed hope for continued growth of women’s leagues.
The championship ended with celebrations and renewed optimism, reaffirming football’s central place in Wokha’s sporting culture.