Indian Football — Nagaland United replaces former I-League champion Aizawl FC in IFL 2026-27

Dr. Neiphiu Rio (left), Chief Minister of Nagaland and Mr. Temjen Imna Along, Minister Tourism and Higher Education, Govt. of Nagaland, with the IFL Trophy during the unveiling of Nagaland United Sports Club. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) has formally marked its entry into the Indian Football League (IFL), becoming the first club from Nagaland to compete in the country’s national second-tier league.

When the 2026-27 season gets underway on October 30, the Chümoukedima-based club will begin its debut campaign carrying Nagaland’s name, and its hopes, into national league football.

The Honourable 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 opened its club office and the Elevenses Cafe Lounge. His presence reflected the importance the state has attached to the club’s arrival in the IFL.

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Addressing the gathering, Dr Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, 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.”

NUSC was founded in 2024 by local leaders, sportspeople and supporters who wanted to give young footballers in the state a place to play, compete and be seen. It made its competitive debut in the inaugural Nagaland Super League in 2025, the state’s top-tier competition run by the Nagaland Football Association, and finished third.

Less than two years after its formation, the club now steps up to national league football. It will play its home matches at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium in Dimapur, bringing IFL fixtures to Nagaland.

The club enters the IFL by acquiring the league-playing rights of Mizo side Aizawl. Aizawl, nicknamed The People’s Club, was founded in 1984 and has been one of the most prominent teams in Indian football in the last few decades. It won the I-League 2 in 2015 before lifting the then-top-flight title, the I-League, the next season, under current India head coach Khalid Jamil.

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“The intention behind building this club is to create a platform and opportunity for our talented youth, so that they can progress from playing in villages, districts and communities to the state and national levels. If they excel, we should also dream of seeing them play on international platforms,” Dr Rio added.

The club’s first test comes quickly. NUSC will contest the opening match of the 2026-27 IFL season, an away fixture against Real Kashmir at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on October 30.