A total of 51 players have been shortlisted by the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) based on their performances during the recently concluded 27th MDFA Trophy 2025. The shortlisted players will undergo selection trials to determine the final Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) team for the upcoming Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2026, Nagaland’s premier inter-district football championship.
The selection trials, MDFA informed, will not be limited to the 51 shortlisted players. Apart from the probable list, if MDFA identifies any promising players from the district, they will also be extended invitations to participate in the trials.
To oversee the process, MDFA has earlier constituted a three-member Players Selection Committee responsible for identifying and preparing potential players for the tournament during the recently concluded MDFA Trophy 2025.
Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, MDFA President N. Akok Longkumer said that the selection trials will be conducted next year. “The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) will finalise its yearlong calendar in February 2026. Once the tournament dates are announced, MDFA will accordingly schedule the selection trials,” he stated.
Longkumer further shared that this time, the association plans to provide an extended coaching period for the final squad. “In the past, players were given only one to two months of coaching, which was not sufficient. This time, three to four months of training will be provided before the tournament,” he said. The final team size, he added, will depend on NFA’s directives, which usually specify 18 to 20 players.
The 51 shortlisted players have been drawn from various teams that participated in the 27th MDFA Trophy 2025.
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Chargers FC: Tongpangnokdang, Moachang, Yangersosang, Alemmongba, Osen, Takutoba, Illanger, Limatongzuk Jamir, Temsuyanger, Imnatoshi, Ayimnukshi, Inovi, Aripong, Temjenwapang, and Supongnenba.
Doyang Strikers Mokokchung: Pangersunep and Imtisashi.
Team Gilgal: Merensang, Tongpangnukshi Jamir, Sentilong, Tajungsang, Merangtemjen, Imkongnuken, Medemmar, and Salangwati.
Super Seniors FC: Nungsang Yanger, Limakumzuk, Temjenmeren, Sentisang, and Supongnenba.
Sports Society Soyim (SSS): Chubalemba, Kevin, Moasangba, Limatongzuk, Suponglepba, and Shilusosang.
Sanpang Riju FC: Jungshiwati, Alemjungba, Wapangsunep, and Imsutoshi.
Intermingle Club: Yashimeren, Lanutemsu, and Toshimongba.
Telongjem FC: Lipoksanen, Tarepnungsang, Meyasenba, Lanusucha, Bapen Yimjong, and Noklensunep.
Thunderbolt FC: Shaomol and Sinlo Martin.
On preparations for hosting the Dr T Ao Trophy 2026, Longkumer informed that the Organising Committee has already been formed. “By January or February, sub-committees for the tournament will also be constituted,” he said.
The 2026 edition will mark the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by MDFA at the newly constructed Renpo Lu Astroturf in Ungma village. The tournament is organised by the Nagaland Football Association under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
