DIMAPUR, OCT 29 (NPN): Nagaland United SC will make their Indian Football League (IFL) debut when they take on Real Kashmir FC in the opening match of the 2026-27 season at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Friday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6.30 p.m. IST.
The new season marks the return of a full home-and-away format, with Nagaland United’s entry into the national league representing a historic milestone for football in Nagaland.
Real Kashmir endured a difficult start to the 2025-26 season, finishing in the lower half of the initial league phase and entering the relegation phase. However, the Snow Leopards recovered strongly under head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, registering three consecutive victories to finish the relegation phase at the top with 14 points and retain their place in the league.
Ahead of the opening fixture, Ishfaq acknowledged the challenge posed by Nagaland United, who have a new coach despite retaining several players associated with Aizawl FC.
“We are prepared. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter, we want to play good, aggressive football at home, and we are ready for that,” he said.
Ishfaq also appealed to local supporters to turn out in large numbers, noting that the club would play 10 home matches during the full league campaign. He thanked fans for standing by the team during difficult times last season and encouraged families to attend matches at the stadium.
For Nagaland United, the fixture marks a significant moment in the club’s short history. Founded in 2024 in Chümoukedima, the club has secured a place in the IFL within two years of its establishment, bringing national-league representation to Nagaland.
The club’s entry was facilitated through a goodwill agreement with Aizawl FC, approved by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on September 9, 2026, under which Nagaland United acquired Aizawl FC’s sporting rights in the league.
Nagaland United have appointed Kaizad Ambapardiwalla as head coach for the campaign. He previously guided Jamshedpur FC during their quarterfinal run in the Durand Cup 2026. The club is expected to rely on a young squad featuring local players, with the aim of providing a platform for emerging footballers and strengthening Nagaland’s presence in Indian football.
Speaking ahead of the club’s first-ever national league fixture, Ambapardiwalla said preparations had progressed well despite the limited time available.
“Our preparation for tomorrow’s game is going well, and the team is in a positive mindset. Despite having limited time, our main focus during training has been on discipline, the right attitude and developing a winning mentality,” he said.
Acknowledging Real Kashmir’s experience, the coach expressed confidence in his team’s preparations and said Nagaland United were entering the competition with the ambition to compete for victories rather than merely participate.
The team will be led by defender Rohmingthanga, who has previous I-League experience with Aizawl FC. He said the squad was determined to make its maiden campaign memorable for supporters, particularly those in Nagaland.
“As this is our first-ever IFL campaign, we want to make it special for our supporters, especially the people of Nagaland. We will give everything on the pitch and fight for the win,” Rohmingthanga said.
Real Kashmir, meanwhile, will be without their former captain Mohammad Inam, who has joined Indian Super League side Punjab FC. The Snow Leopards have strengthened their attack with the addition of experienced striker Marcus Joseph, alongside several domestic players.
Real Kashmir defender N. Rohen Singh said the team had prepared thoroughly for the season opener and was targeting a winning start.
