Nagaland Football Association (NFA) has been conferred with the All India Football Federation’s special award for ‘Member Association Launching New Projects’ at the AIFF Annual Awards for the 2024–25 season, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The award, shared with the Kerala Football Association, is a national recognition of the NFA’s bold strides in football development, the initiatives taken for Under-17 Girls and Boys, and U-20 Men’s teams, Dr. T Ao Trophy as well as the launch and success of the Nagaland Super League (NSL), infrastructure development etc
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“We give all glory and honour to our Almighty God for this award. We are deeply grateful to Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for his all-out support and encouragement. Our gratitude also goes to the state Youth Resources and Sports department and Nagaland Olympic Association led by its secretary general, Abu Metha. This award is dedicated to the people of Nagaland, especially to all football players and fans,” NFA president and AIFF executive member K Neibou Sekhose said.
“The Nagaland Super League, the state’s first-ever professional football league, made its historic debut in 2025 with seven teams competing across the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima and the newly inaugurated Chümoukedima Football Stadium. Designed as a high-performance platform, the NSL is already reshaping the sporting culture of the state. In its inaugural season, Barak FC emerged as champions, defeating Longterok FC 3-1 in a thrilling final at the Chümoukedima stadium.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of key partners and stakeholders. The Nagaland Olympic Association has played a pivotal role in empowering the state’s sporting ecosystem, and their continued backing has been instrumental in the NSL’s success,” the NSL media release stated.
Acknowledging the players, clubs, coaches, referees, volunteers, sponsors, media, and the fans for their belief and energy towards driving “this movement forward,” the NSL media team said NSL is “honoured to be at the forefront of this journey” and that the award reaffirms a shared mission—to build a sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring football future for Nagaland.
