NUSC players in training ahead of their IFL debut.
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 29 (MExN): Nagaland United SC (NUSC) will make its debut in the Indian Football League (IFL) on October 30, taking on Real Kashmir FC in the opening match of the 2026-27 season at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 pm.
The fixture marks a significant milestone for Nagaland football, with Nagaland United entering the national league just two years after its establishment in 2024 at Chümoukedima. The club's entry brings Nagaland representation to the competition after a 78-year wait, in a state associated with Dr. Talimeren Ao, independent India's first football captain.
Nagaland United secured its place in the IFL through a goodwill agreement with Aizawl FC, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) approving the arrangement on September 9, 2026. Under the agreement, the Chümoukedima-based club acquired Aizawl FC's sporting rights in the league.
The debutants will be led by head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla, who previously guided Jamshedpur FC during its quarterfinal run in the Durand Cup 2026. He will take charge of a young squad featuring local players, with the club expected to provide a platform for emerging footballers from the region.
Speaking ahead of the club's first-ever IFL fixture, Ambapardiwalla said preparations were progressing well despite the limited time available.
"Our preparation for tomorrow’s game is going well, and the team is in a positive mindset. We are focused on building a strong, competitive team for the season. Despite having limited time, our main focus during training has been on discipline, the right attitude and developing a winning mentality," he said.
Acknowledging the challenge posed by Real Kashmir, he said the team had trained well over the past week and had developed a clear plan for the match. "Real Kashmir FC are an experienced side, but our players are well prepared. We have trained well over the past week and have a clear plan for the game. There is a strong belief within the team that we can secure three points and put in a good performance," he said. "Nagaland United have not come to the Indian Football League just to participate; we are here to compete and win," the coach added.
Defender Rohmingthanga, who has previous I-League experience with Aizawl FC, will captain Nagaland United in its maiden campaign. Ahead of the opener, he said the team wanted to make its first season memorable for supporters, particularly those in Nagaland.
"As this is our first-ever IFL campaign, we want to make it special for our supporters, especially the people of Nagaland. We will give everything on the pitch and fight for the win," he said. "To all our supporters, thank you for standing behind us. We will do our best to deliver a good result and make history together," he added.
Nagaland United will face a Real Kashmir side coached by Ishfaq Ahmed, who guided the Srinagar-based club to the top of the relegation phase last season after a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign. Real Kashmir finished that phase with 14 points after registering three consecutive victories, including wins over Gokulam Kerala FC and Aizawl FC.
Real Kashmir have strengthened their attack with the signing of experienced striker Marcus Joseph and other domestic players, although former captain Mohammad Inam has moved to Indian Super League side Punjab FC.
The hosts will also be looking to make the most of home advantage as the IFL returns to a full home-and-away format for the 2026-27 season. For Nagaland United, however, the opening fixture represents the beginning of a new chapter in the state's football history, as the club seeks to establish itself in the national league and turn its debut into a competitive campaign.
