Guwahati: Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC), based in Chümoukedima, will become Nagaland’s first representative in the Indian Football League (IFL) when it begins its debut campaign on October 30 in the national second-tier tournament.
NUSC will play its opening match of the 2026-27 season against Real Kashmir at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio attended a function at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence in Sovima, where the club inaugurated its office and the Elevenses Cafe Lounge, according to a press release.
Rio welcomed NUSC’s entry into the national competition, saying it could encourage aspiring footballers in Nagaland and beyond to pursue the sport. He said the club was established to help promising players progress from village, district and community tournaments to state and national-level competitions, with opportunities to reach the international stage.
He urged the club’s officials, coaches and players to maintain discipline, professionalism and fair play. He also encouraged the team to work towards success and inspire young people to pursue their goals.
Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, Zunheboto MLA and Food and Civil Supplies Adviser KT Sukhalu, and Adviser to the Chief Minister Abu Metha attended the event.
NUSC was represented by co-founders Rusemtong Longkumer and Kechangulie Rio, along with club president John Longkumer.
Indian Football League chief executive officer Nildeep Mondal and head of operations Abhishek Yadav were also present. Discussions covered grassroots football and ways to develop the sport in Nagaland.
Founded in 2024 by local leaders, athletes and football supporters, NUSC aims to give young players opportunities to compete at higher levels and gain wider exposure.
The club entered competitive football through the inaugural Nagaland Super League in 2025 and finished third in the state’s top division organised by the Nagaland Football Association.
NUSC secured its place in the IFL through an agreement with Aizawl FC, approved by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Under the arrangement, NUSC acquired the Mizoram club’s sporting rights in the league.
Chümoukedima Football Stadium will host NUSC’s home matches, bringing IFL fixtures to Nagaland for the first time. The league’s Governing Council has accepted the state as a host venue for the 2026-27 season.
NUSC’s entry will add to the Northeast’s representation in the competition, alongside Shillong Lajong and Chanmari.
Nagaland got its first glimpse of the IFL Trophy ahead of the 2026-27 season during an event at Zone Niathu, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Thursday. The programme also introduced the three jerseys NUSC will wear in its first campaign in the league.