The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) has announced the final shortlist of 20 players selected to represent the state in the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025-26, scheduled to begin on 15 December 2025.
The selected players were chosen from a pool of 35 probable candidates following a coaching camp that started on November 29. The squad comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and five forwards.
The goalkeepers are Ato T Awomi, Mengulhoukho Chalie, and Chuba Nuchet Longkumer. Defenders include Thejangulie Zatsu, Moalong Jamir, Bokato Awomi, Namang Yimjong, Menoneikho Nakhro, Zarenthung Justin Ngullie, and Benrithung. The midfielders are Ato Chophi, Ghuqhe Chishi, Bapenyimjong, Toka Achumi, and Hivika Zhimo. The forwards selected are S Ayenmongba, Yhoto Lohe, Thulunso Yimchunger, Laiwang Bohham, and Manton K Wangshu.
The 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025-26 will feature its Final Round in Assam in January 2026. The group stages are scheduled across nine venues from December 15 to 26, 2025.
A total of 35 teams will compete in the group stage, which is divided into nine groups—eight groups of four teams each and one group of three teams. The winners of these groups will advance to the 12-team Final Round, joining host Assam, last season’s champions West Bengal, and runners-up Kerala.
Nagaland is grouped with Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura in Group D. All Group D matches will be hosted in Agartala, Tripura.