Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC), based in Chümoukedima, is set to make history on October 30, 2026, by becoming the first club from Nagaland to compete in the Indian Football League (IFL). The club will begin its 2026–27 campaign with an away match against Real Kashmir at TRC Stadium in Srinagar. As a result, Nagaland will gain a new platform to showcase its football talent at the national level.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has welcomed the achievement and expressed hope that the club will inspire young players across the state. Moreover, NUSC aims to help talented footballers progress from grassroots competitions to professional and potentially international football.
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Key Facts About Nagaland United Sports Club
- Club: Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC)
- Location: Chümoukedima, Nagaland
- League debut: October 30, 2026
- Competition: Indian Football League (IFL), 2026–27 season
- Opening match: Real Kashmir vs NUSC
- Match venue: TRC Stadium, Srinagar
- Home ground: Chümoukedima Football Stadium
- Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
- Year founded: 2024
- Previous achievement: Third place in the inaugural Nagaland Super League in 2025
NUSC Set to Represent Nagaland in National Football
Nagaland United Sports Club’s entry into the Indian Football League marks a significant milestone for football in the state. For the first time, a club from Nagaland will compete in the national second-tier competition.
Consequently, local players will have greater opportunities to gain experience, demonstrate their abilities and pursue professional careers. The club’s participation could also encourage more young people to take up football seriously.
NUSC will begin its campaign with an away fixture against Real Kashmir at TRC Stadium in Srinagar on October 30. Meanwhile, supporters in Nagaland will look forward to watching the club compete against established teams from other parts of the country.
The historic debut also strengthens the presence of Northeast India in the national football system.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Welcomes Historic Achievement
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio attended a programme at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence in Sovima, where NUSC inaugurated its office and the Elevenses Cafe Lounge.
During the event, Rio expressed pride in the club’s entry into the national league. He described the development as the beginning of a journey that could inspire young footballers in Nagaland and beyond.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister explained that the club aims to create opportunities for talented players to progress from village, district and community-level competitions to state and national tournaments. In the long term, this pathway could help promising footballers pursue opportunities at international levels.
Rio also urged the club’s management, coaching staff and players to maintain discipline, professionalism and sportsmanship. He encouraged the team to aim high and motivate young people to pursue their sporting ambitions.
The programme attracted several prominent dignitaries, including Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, Zunheboto MLA and Adviser for Food and Civil Supplies KT Sukhalu, and Adviser to the Chief Minister Abu Metha.
NUSC representatives included co-founders Rusemtong Longkumer and Kechangulie Rio, along with club president John Longkumer. Additionally, Indian Football League CEO Nildeep Mondal and Head of Operations Abhishek Yadav attended the programme.
The participants discussed grassroots football and possible ways to strengthen the sport’s development across Nagaland.
From Nagaland Super League to the National Stage
Local leaders, sportspeople and supporters founded NUSC in 2024 to provide young footballers with a platform to showcase their talent and gain wider recognition.
The club made its competitive debut in the inaugural Nagaland Super League in 2025. It finished third in the state’s top-tier competition, which the Nagaland Football Association organised.
Following that performance, NUSC took a major step towards national competition through an arrangement with Aizawl FC. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) approved the arrangement, under which NUSC acquired the Mizoram club’s sporting rights in the league.
Therefore, the agreement enabled the Nagaland club to enter the Indian Football League and begin a new chapter in its development.
The move also reflects the growing ambition among clubs in Northeast India to establish themselves in national competitions.
Chümoukedima to Host Indian Football League Matches
NUSC will play its home fixtures at Chümoukedima Football Stadium. Consequently, Nagaland will host Indian Football League matches for the first time, giving local supporters an opportunity to watch national-level football in their home state.
The IFL Governing Council has welcomed Nagaland as a new venue for the 2026–27 season. In addition to supporting the club, hosting these matches could create opportunities for local businesses, young athletes and football enthusiasts.
Chümoukedima’s role as the club’s home base will also bring greater attention to the state’s sporting infrastructure. Furthermore, regular league fixtures could help strengthen interest in football among young people and encourage participation in organised competitions.
NUSC joins Northeast clubs Shillong Lajong and Chanmari in the competition. As a result, the region will have a stronger presence in the national league.
Northeast India has a long-standing football culture, with community tournaments and local clubs helping develop promising players. NUSC’s entry adds another opportunity for regional talent to gain competitive experience and national recognition.
IFL Trophy Tour and Jersey Launch Build Excitement
Ahead of the new season, organisers held the IFL Trophy Tour at Zone Niathu, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Thursday. The event brought the league trophy to Nagaland and generated excitement among supporters ahead of NUSC’s historic debut.
The programme also featured the unveiling of three jerseys for the club’s inaugural IFL campaign.
Meanwhile, preparations continue as the team gets ready for its opening fixture against Real Kashmir. The debut season will give NUSC an opportunity to test its performance against national-level opposition and build experience for future campaigns.
Overall, the club’s entry into the Indian Football League represents an important moment for Nagaland’s sporting community. More importantly, it offers aspiring footballers a visible pathway from local competitions to the national stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will Nagaland United Sports Club make its IFL debut?
NUSC is scheduled to make its Indian Football League debut on October 30, 2026.
2. Who will NUSC face in its opening match?
The club will play Real Kashmir away at TRC Stadium in Srinagar.
3. Where will NUSC play its home matches?
NUSC will host its home fixtures at Chümoukedima Football Stadium in Nagaland.
4. When was Nagaland United Sports Club founded?
Local leaders, sportspeople and supporters founded the club in 2024. It finished third in the inaugural Nagaland Super League in 2025.
5. Why is NUSC’s entry into the IFL important?
NUSC will become the first club from Nagaland to compete in the Indian Football League. Consequently, the achievement creates new opportunities for local footballers and strengthens the state’s presence in national football.
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