Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) have formally entered the Indian Football League (IFL), becoming the first club from Nagaland to compete in the country's national second-tier football league. The Chümoukedima-based club will kick off its debut campaign on 30 October 2026, when the 2026-27 IFL season gets underway, carrying Nagaland's name to grounds across India for the first time.

A Historic Milestone for Northeastern Football

Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio, attended the club's opening programme at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence in Sovima on Thursday, where NUSC inaugurated its club office and the Elevenses Cafe Lounge. His presence signalled the importance the state government has placed on the club's national debut.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Rio said, 'We are extremely happy and proud that Nagaland United Sports Club is playing in the Indian Football League for the first time. This is the beginning of a journey, and I hope the club will give its best and make this dream come true, inspiring the youth of Nagaland and Nagas wherever they are.'

The programme was also attended by Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education; KT Sukhalu, MLA for Zunheboto Constituency and Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies; and Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister. From the club, Rusemtong Longkumer and Kechangulie Rio, Co-Founders, along with John Longkumer, President of NUSC, represented the organisation.

AIFF, IFL Officials Discuss Grassroots Growth

Representing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the IFL at the event were Nildeep Mondal, CEO of the Indian Football League, and Abhishek Yadav, Head of Operations, IFL. Both officials reportedly discussed future development activities in grassroots football and related programmes in Nagaland — a sign that the club's entry is being viewed not merely as a competitive placement but as a catalyst for football infrastructure in the state.

NUSC's route into the league came through an arrangement with Aizawl FC, approved by the AIFF, under which NUSC took over the Mizoram club's IFL sporting rights. The IFL Governing Council has welcomed Nagaland as one of the new host venues for the 2026-27 season.

Club Background and Road to the National Stage

NUSC was founded in 2024 by local leaders, sportspeople, and supporters who wanted to create a pathway for young footballers in the state. Less than a year after its founding, it made its competitive debut in the inaugural Nagaland Super League in 2025 — the state's top-tier club competition run by the Nagaland Football Association — and finished third. In under two years, the club has graduated from a state competition to national league football.

The club will play its home matches at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium in Dimapur, bringing IFL fixtures to Nagaland for the first time. NUSC joins a growing Northeast contingent in the IFL that already includes Shillong Lajong and Chanmari, extending the region's national league presence to another state.

Opening Fixture: Away at Real Kashmir on October 30

NUSC's first test arrives quickly. The club will contest the opening match of the 2026-27 IFL season, an away fixture against Real Kashmir at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on 30 October 2026. On the club's readiness, Dr Rio urged, 'I request the coaches, officials, management and players to show commitment and sincerity, play with discipline and professionalism, respect their opponents and uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship. Our target must be to aim for the top, and I hope the team will give its best and inspire our young generation to dream bigger.'

Later on Thursday, the IFL Trophy Tour was held at Zone Niathu, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, bringing the league's trophy to Nagaland ahead of the new season. The evening also saw the launch of NUSC's three match kits for the debut campaign. With the jerseys unveiled and the season days away, Nagaland's wait for national league football is finally over.