The Nagaland football team departed on the night of January 18 to participate in the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 Final Round, scheduled to be held in Dhakuakhana and Silapathar, Assam.
Nagaland has created history by qualifying for the Santosh Trophy Final Round for the first time. The team has been placed in Group A and will open its campaign against defending champions West Bengal on January 21.
Ahead of the team’s departure, a prayer service was held earlier in the day at the Chumoukedima Town Baptist Church, seeking blessings for the players and officials.
Speaking to MT, Nagaland head coach Lavoriyi Theluo acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “West Bengal is the defending champion and a strong team with well-experienced players. We are preparing well to play against them, and I’m confident with my boys.”