CM Rio, Nagaland football fraternity mourns
A tragic multi-vehicle accident occurred on NH-29 between 5th Mile and 6th Mile, Chümoukedima at around 1 AM on March 25, involving ‘confirmed’ four vehicles: a Mahindra Thar, a Bolero, a bike, and a scooty. The accident claimed the life of N William Koso, a trailblazing football coach and the technical committee convenor of the Nagaland Super League.
The case remains under investigation. According to sources, it is suspected to be a “hit-and-run” case, although the police have yet to provide an update on the matter.
When contacted, the traffic in-charge stated, “The case is still under process for collection of detailed information”.
According to Hornbill TV report, the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) informed that two victims were brought to the hospital between 1:30 AM and 1:40 AM. William Koso was pronounced dead on arrival, showing no vital signs, while the bike rider was reported to be in stable condition at the time of filing this report.
Remembering William Koso: The coach, mentor, and football visionary
Nagaland’s football fraternity mourned the sudden demise of N William Koso, the state’s first coach to earn an AFC A license and a key figure in Nagaland’s football development. Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, Advisor to CM Abu Metha, and several football associations have expressed their grief over the passing of a man who left an enduring legacy in Indian football.
Koso, widely recognized for his role in nurturing grassroots football, was instrumental in launching the ongoing Nagaland Super League (NSL). As the technical committee convenor, he played a crucial role in ensuring the league upheld high standards of competition and professionalism. Through his coaching courses, he mentored and trained several coaches, with more than five NSL coaches having been part of his programs.
Koso’s career was defined by his commitment to football education and coaching. He served as an assistant coach at Aizawl FC, where he contributed to the team’s historic I-League triumph. As head coach of Life Sports Football Club, he helped shape the careers of many young players. His role as High Performance Manager at the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) in Nagaland saw him training and mentoring aspiring footballers, ensuring they received quality guidance to compete at higher levels.
Beyond coaching, Koso played a vital role in football education, serving as an instructor for AIFF D License and AFC C Diploma programs.
Condolence messages pour in
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed shock and sadness over Koso’s passing. In his condolence message, he described Koso as a pillar of Nagaland football whose dedication and sacrifices would be remembered for generations.
“His invaluable contributions to football in Nagaland have left an indelible mark. Through his mentorship, he nurtured and moulded the careers of hundreds of players and coaches—not just in Nagaland but across the region,” Rio stated. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and solace in this difficult time.
Advisor to CM and football administrator Abu Metha also expressed deep grief, recalling his last conversation with Koso at the Nagaland Super League.
“William was more than a colleague—he was family. A key figure in the sporting fraternity of Nagaland and a pillar in India’s football ecosystem. He had only recently returned from Mumbai after successfully completing an Educators’ program. The depth of experience and professional knowledge he had accumulated made him an invaluable asset to Nagaland and Indian football,” Metha stated.
The Nagaland Super League (NSL) Chairman, Benei M Lamthiu, described Koso’s loss as an immense blow to the football community: “As the NSL Technical Head, he played a pivotal role in shaping the league with his expertise, dedication, and passion for football. His invaluable contributions to the sport in Nagaland have left an indelible mark, and his absence will be profoundly felt.”
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The Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) highlighted Koso’s leadership as General Secretary from 2022 to 2025: “He worked tirelessly to promote football at all levels. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the growth of the sport in Kohima District and beyond, ensuring young footballers, referees, and coaches had the opportunity to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.”
The Peren District Football Association also expressed grief: “William Koso was more than a coach; he was a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to countless players and colleagues. His commitment to nurturing talent and instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance will be remembered for years to come.”
Tributes from beyond Nagaland
Koso’s contributions extended far beyond his home state, with football organizations from Manipur and Mizoram also mourning his loss.
The All-Manipur Football Association released a statement condoling the sudden demise of Koso. ”All Manipur Football Association implores for the perpetual serenity of the departed soul and rest at his heavenly abode; and shares the sorrow and grief of the bereaved family,” it stated.
Aizawl Football Club, where Koso once served as assistant coach and Head of Youth Development, expressed their shock and sorrow: “We recollect with sorrows the days when he was our Assistant Coach and also Head of Youth Development for a number of seasons at Aizawl Football Club.he was crucial in guiding Aizawl FC to success, including successive wins of trophies by our youth teams at state and national levels and even historic I-League trophy in 2017.
His contributions to the Aizawl FC as Asst Coach and subsequently as Head of Youth Development proved pivotal and instrumental for the development of Aizawl FC,Mizoram Football and of course Indian Football at large.”
