History Made: Nagaland United Sports Club Enters Indian Football League
Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) makes history as the first club from Nagaland to enter the Indian Football League (IFL) for the 2026-27 season.
For the first time in history, Nagaland is stepping onto the national stage of professional football. The Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) has officially entered the Indian Football League (IFL), marking a monumental milestone for a state that has long been a passionate follower of the sport from the sidelines. Based in Chumoukedima, the club is now poised to carry the hopes and aspirations of the entire state into the country's national second-tier league.
A Grand Launch with State Support
The significance of this achievement was highlighted during a special opening programme held at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence in Sovima. The event saw the inauguration of the NUSC club office and the Elevenses Cafe Lounge, graced by the presence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio.
Expressing his pride, CM Rio stated, "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 event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including:
- Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education.
- KT Sukhalu, MLA for Zunheboto Constituency and Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies.
- Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister.
From the club's side, Co-Founders Rusemtong Longkumer and Kechangulie Rio, along with President John Longkumer, represented NUSC. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and IFL were represented by CEO Nildeep Mondal and Head of Operations Abhishek Yadav, who engaged in discussions regarding grassroots development and the future of football in Nagaland.
From Local Roots to National Ambitions
The rise of NUSC has been remarkably swift. Founded in 2024 by a collective of local leaders and sports enthusiasts, the club was envisioned as a launchpad for young local talent to be discovered and developed. The club made its competitive debut in the 2025 inaugural Nagaland Super League, the state's top-tier competition, where it secured a respectable third-place finish.
In less than two years, the club has transitioned from local competition to the national arena. This leap was made possible through an arrangement approved by the AIFF, where NUSC took over the IFL sporting rights from the Mizoram-based Aizawl FC.
Bringing the Game Home
Fans in Nagaland won't have to travel far to see their team in action. NUSC will play its home matches at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium in Dimapur, effectively bringing the IFL experience to the heart of the state. The league's Governing Council has officially welcomed Nagaland as a new venue for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
NUSC now joins other Northeast powerhouses like Shillong Lajong and Chanmari, further strengthening the region's footprint in Indian football.
The Road Ahead: A Tough Debut
The journey begins with a challenging start. NUSC is scheduled to play the opening match of the 2026-27 IFL season on October 30. It will be a daunting away fixture against Real Kashmir at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar.
Chief Minister Rio urged the team to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and sportsmanship, emphasizing that the goal is not just to participate, but to excel. He noted that the ultimate vision is to create a pathway where talented youth can progress from village and district levels to state, national, and eventually, international platforms.
"I request the coaches, officials, management and players to show commitment and sincerity, play with discipline and professionalism... Our target must be to aim for the top," the Chief Minister urged.