DIMAPUR, SEP 20 (NPN): Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) has formally completed the acquisition of Aizawl Football Club (AFC), with the process recognised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), paving the way for NUSC to participate in the forthcoming season of the Indian Football League (IFL), scheduled to commence in October 2026.
NUSC, in a statement, described the development as a historic milestone for Nagaland football and a step towards providing the State’s sporting talent opportunities to compete at the highest levels of competitive sport in the country.
The club said it was founded with a vision to promote, nurture and support sporting talent in Nagaland and the region and create pathways for young sportspersons to pursue their ambitions at national and international levels.
The decision to acquire AFC was taken by the NUSC Managing Board after considering the available pathways for Nagaland football to enter the national professional structure. It said the acquisition would provide Nagaland football a presence on the national stage while creating opportunities for players, coaches, technical personnel, administrators and young footballing talent to gain exposure to professional football.
NUSC said entering the national league was only the beginning, adding that the greater challenge would be to build a professional, competitive and sustainable institution.
The club expressed gratitude to the proprietors and members of AFC, led by Robert Royte, for their positive and constructive approach in concluding the process. It also acknowledged AFC’s legacy and supporters and thanked the Mizoram Football Association for its assistance and cooperation.
NUSC expressed appreciation to the AIFF, under president Kalyan Chaubey, for facilitating the process and providing guidance. It also thanked the governing body of the IFL and participating clubs for their cooperation.
The club placed on record its appreciation to the Nagaland Football Association and its members, under president Neibu Sekhose, for their guidance and support.
NUSC also expressed gratitude to chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and the state government, particularly the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, for their support.
The club said the milestone belonged to the larger football fraternity, acknowledging former players, coaches, administrators, clubs, volunteers, parents and football enthusiasts who had contributed to the development of the sport in Nagaland.
NUSC also thanked football supporters and sports lovers of Nagaland and the region, and appealed to the Naga community across the country to support the club when it plays away matches.
Recalling the legacy of Nagaland football, NUSC cited Dr. Talimeren Ao, who captained the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics, as an enduring symbol of what young people from Nagaland could achieve when given an opportunity.
The club said its players would carry the hopes and aspirations of young footballers across Nagaland and pledged to compete with courage, humility, discipline and integrity.
“Nagaland United Sports Club will use every platform available to promote Nagaland, celebrate our people and showcase the extraordinary talent, creativity, culture and potential of our State and the region,” it said. The club concluded with its motto: “Rise Together — One Team. One Dream. One Nagaland.”
