16 teams to clash in pre-quarter finals of NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA — The pre-quarter finals of the 25th anniversary edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy will begin on October 6, Monday, with eight teams qualifying from the previous rounds and another eight teams given direct entry.

The teams that qualified from the group stage include Chedema Village Youth Organisation, Mez & Co, Michazou FC, Ward-19 Kohima, Mao Students’ Union, Dimapur Chaos, Kuki United FC, and Anal Lenruwl Tangpi. These teams will now face the newly entered teams in the pre-quarter finals.

Direct entry into the pre-quarters was granted to one each from Delhi and Sikkim and five from Nagaland, including NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy former champions and Nagaland Super League teams. The organisers stated that the entries were based on invitations and in recognition of the 25th anniversary special edition.

Also read: 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy enters Kohima leg

Teams making their first appearance this season include reigning champions Sechü Zubza FC, Rever Gangtok SC, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Red Scars FC, New Market FC, Nagaland United SC, Delhi Police, and Nagaland Police.

On Monday, Rever Gangtok SC will play against Chedema Village Youth Organisation in the first pre-quarter final at 12 noon, followed by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong versus Mez & Co at 2 pm, both at Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium, Kohima.

Matches between Red Scars FC and Michazou FC, and Sechü Zubza FC and Ward 19 Kohima will take place on October 7. New Market FC will face Mao Students’ Union, and Nagaland United SC will play against Dimapur Chaos on October 8. The fixtures for October 9 will feature Delhi Police versus Kuki United FC, and Nagaland Police against Anal Lenruwl Tangpi.

Meanwhile, on October 4, Mao Students’ Union defeated Phesama Students’ Union 5–1 to secure a spot in the pre-quarter finals. Lohrü Kaisii from the Mao Students’ Union was awarded the player of the match by Mteisuding Heraang, president of the Naga Students’ Federation.

Lohrü Kaisii scored two goals in the 19th and 38th minutes, while Ngararsing, Athili, and Salam Swami Chandra each contributed a goal. Mezhiilhoulie Zashümo scored the lone goal for Phesama Students’ Union.

In another match, Dimapur Chaos edged past Football 4 Change with a 2–1 win in a closely contested battle for qualification. Gangchui of Dimapur Chaos scored the opening goal in the 45th minute, which was equalised by Seiminthung in the 57th minute. Despite strong efforts from both teams, Gangchui scored again in the 88th minute, securing the win for Dimapur Chaos.

Kethosituo Sekhose, director of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, presented the player of the match award to Gangchui.

Records 174 goals so far

Meanwhile, the Publicity Committee of NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025, in a statement, mentioned that the tournament has already completed 29 matches across IG Stadium and Chümoukedima Football Stadium.

The remaining matches, including the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, will now be played exclusively at IG Stadium, culminating in the grand finale.

So far, the tournament has witnessed a total of 174 goals — averaging six per match — along with 58 yellow cards and 10 red cards. Thokchom Adison Singh (17) from Mez & Co. leads the scoring chart with 10 goals.

A total of 29 teams, comprising 696 players and officials, have been eliminated from the competition, with the remaining teams set to battle for the championship title in the knockout rounds.

Vehicle restrictions announced

Starting from October 6, a complete restriction on vehicle entry into the restricted zone of IG Stadium, Kohima, will be enforced to ensure smooth operations and avoid congestion. Only tournament officials, invited guests, and match-day participating teams will be allowed access, with each team limited to one bus and two cars, or alternatively, five cars.

The organisers have reiterated that intoxicating substances are strictly prohibited within the stadium premises. Violators will face strict disciplinary action for any disorderly conduct or untoward incidents.

As part of its official broadcast partnership, Dox Marketing & Media and BingeBOXX Live Streaming remain the exclusive media entities authorised to stream the tournament. The IT section has reaffirmed that no other private channels or media platforms will be permitted to conduct live streaming within the stadium premises, as earlier announced.

Meanwhile, the ticket committee has confirmed that current ticket rates will remain unchanged until the conclusion of the pre-quarter stage. From the quarter-finals onwards, ticket prices will be revised to INR 100.

The quarter-final, semi-final, and final matches are scheduled to be held under floodlights at IG Stadium, Kohima, where the increased rate will remain effective until the tournament’s end.