Nagaland United Sports Club unveil jerseys at the IFL Trophy Tour ahead of its historic national league debut.
DIMAPUR — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian Football League (IFL), in collaboration with Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC), organised the IFL Trophy Tour and unveiled the club’s official jerseys at Niathu Resort on Thursday. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio attended the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along described NUSC’s entry into the IFL as a significant milestone for football in Nagaland.
He said Nagaland Tourism was proud to partner with the club and expressed hope that its players would showcase their football skills alongside the rich traditions, culture and way of life of the Naga people.
Thanking the AIFF and IFL for bringing the trophy to Nagaland, Along expressed hope that NUSC would eventually bring the title home. He said the initiative would create opportunities for Naga players to compete nationally and potentially represent India.
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He also reaffirmed Nagaland Tourism’s commitment to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s vision of youth development, empowerment and sports promotion.
An AIFF representative welcomed NUSC to the national league and congratulated the club on its historic debut. Recalling the legacy of Dr. Talimeren Ao, who captained India at the 1948 London Olympics, he expressed hope that NUSC would carry forward Nagaland’s footballing tradition.
He said the club’s participation would inspire young boys and girls across the state and urged NUSC to invest in grassroots development, nurture local talent and strengthen community engagement.
Earlier, addressing a press conference, NUSC founding member Abu Metha described the club as more than a football team, calling it an institution and movement aimed at promoting sports in Nagaland, the Northeast and the country.
Highlighting its motto, “Rise Together", Metha said the club intend to create opportunities for young athletes and eventually expand into other sporting disciplines.
He described NUSC’s entry into the IFL as historic, noting that no club from Nagaland had previously competed at this level.
NUSC will play 10 home and 10 away matches, with Chümoukedima Football Stadium at the Police Complex designated as its home ground.
The club will begin its campaign against Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar on October 30, while its first home match is scheduled for November 14.
Metha said the Chümoukedima venue was selected for its availability and connectivity through the airport and railway station. AIFF officials had inspected the stadium and issued guidelines regarding league requirements, while the Department of Youth Resources and Sports was working to complete the necessary facilities, including the FIFA-recommended turf.
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He also announced that NUSC would contribute 10% of ticket sales from its home matches to the state government’s Sports Development Fund.
Acknowledging Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s support, Metha said the Nagaland Super League (NSL), launched under Rio’s vision, had helped strengthen the state’s football ecosystem.
Explaining the club’s entry into the IFL, Metha said NUSC acquired former I-League champion Aizawl FC through an AIFF-approved process, enabling it to secure the required league licence without progressing through the conventional promotion system.
The acquisition also allowed NUSC to retain Aizawl FC’s registered players. The squad includes experienced I-League and IFL players, along with five players from Nagaland.
However, Metha said some Naga players previously registered as amateurs would have to complete the prescribed procedures to obtain professional status during the next transfer window.
He said the club plan to recruit more local players through trials across Nagaland, particularly targeting those below 20 years of age.
Acknowledging limited preparation time due to the acquisition process and closure of the transfer window, Metha said several players had been participating in the Mizoram Premier League before joining NUSC.
The team is currently training at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima ahead of its opening fixture in Srinagar.
Metha further clarified that NUSC would continue participating in the NSL and explore opportunities in other competitions, including the Durand Cup, IFA Shield and Bordoloi Trophy, subject to eligibility and availability.
Gallery tickets for home matches are expected to start at INR 299, excluding applicable taxes and service charges.