Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 22 (NPN): In a significant milestone for football in Nagaland, Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) is set to make its debut in the Indian Football League (IFL), with its opening match against Real Kashmir FC scheduled in Srinagar on October 30, 2026.
Addressing the IFL Trophy Tour programme at Zone Niathu on Thursday evening,Nagaland chief minister Dr.Neiphiu Rio described NUSC’s entry into the national league as a major milestone for Nagaland football and urged the club to compete with the ambition of winning the trophy.
He urged Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) to aim for the top in its maiden Indian Football League (IFL) season, stating that the team’s performance would influence the level of support it receives from the government and other stakeholders.
Welcoming representatives of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the IFL, Rio thanked them for supporting the club’s entry into the national competition. He also acknowledged the efforts of NUSC’s founders, management and supporters in securing AIFF affiliation and league participation, which he said could otherwise have taken several years.
Rio said NUSC was established to provide talented youth from Nagaland with a pathway from village and district-level competitions to state and national platforms, with the possibility of eventually competing internationally.
Recalling the government’s sports development initiatives, he said 2003 was declared the Year of Youth Empowerment after he assumed office as chief minister. The introduction of the inter-district Dr. T. Ao Trophy and subsequent initiatives, including a national-level women’s football trophy named after the legendary footballer, were aimed at strengthening the state’s sporting culture.
Emphasizing grassroots development, Rio said football could provide young people with livelihood opportunities as well as sporting recognition.
He urged NUSC’s management, coaches and players to demonstrate commitment, discipline, professionalism and sportsmanship while respecting their opponents.
Acknowledging that the team would initially comprise a majority of players from outside Nagaland, he encouraged local youth to improve their skills and work towards earning places in the squad.
He also called on football enthusiasts to support the club throughout the season.
With 10 home and 10 away matches expected in the league, Rio appealed to supporters to fill the stadium and create a strong home atmosphere, while extending hospitality to visiting teams.
He acknowledged that NUSC might not reach the top immediately but urged the club to remain competitive and avoid finishing near the bottom of the standings. He expressed hope that its debut would inspire young people across Nagaland and the wider Naga community to pursue football seriously.
Minister of Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along described NUSC’s entry into the IFL as a significant achievement for Nagaland football. He said the Tourism department was proud to support the club and expressed hope that Naga players would showcase their talent alongside the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Along thanked the AIFF and IFL for bringing the trophy to Nagaland and pledged continued support for Rio’s vision of youth empowerment and sports development.
IFL Head of Operations Abhishik Yadav said NUSC’s participation would give young people in Nagaland a platform to aspire to the highest levels of Indian football. Referring to Dr. T. Ao’s role as captain of India’s football team at the 1948 London Olympics, he urged the club to carry forward that legacy by nurturing local talent, investing in grassroots development and strengthening community ties.
Yadav said success should be measured not only by league standings but also by the opportunities created for young players and the aspirations the club inspired. He expressed hope that NUSC’s debut would lay the foundation for a lasting contribution to Indian football.
Nagaland Football Association president Neibu Sekhose termed the club’s entry into the league a historic achievement and congratulated its management, coaching staff and players. He said the trophy tour could encourage local youth to pursue football at the highest level and expressed hope that Nagaland would host more national competitions.
The programme was chaired by NUSC general secretary Lhouvi Punyu, with an invocation by CRC Sovima pastor Rev. Zhau Sanchu. Special numbers were presented by Aying Anichar, Vinika Yeptho and Samuel.
Following the trophy tour, NUSC launched its team jerseys, featuring designs inspired by Nagaland’s history, culture and heritage.
The home kit pays tribute to Dr. T. Ao and incorporates illustrations inspired by Naga life and traditions. The away kit presents Naga-inspired motifs in a contemporary design, while the reserve kit features a light-blue base representing the skies and landscapes of the Naga Hills, complemented by green, yellow and red sleeve bands.
The vote of thanks was proposed by NUSC president T. John Longkumer, IPS (retd.).