Nagaland United Sports Club win 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy

KOHIMA — Debutant Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) lifted the 25th anniversary edition of the NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy after securing a 3–1 victory over Chedema Village Youth Organisation (CVYO) in the final at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Saturday.

The NUSC, which was also the second runner-up in the Nagaland Super League (NSL) 2025, walked home with the new running trophy and a cash prize of INR 5 lakh, while the runner-up CVYO received INR 3 lakh.

The opening goal for the final match was netted by Arap Konyak in the 9th minute in favour of NUSC. Shortly after, Joel Haokip scored a sensational goal from a free kick outside the penalty area in the 28th minute, following a foul committed by a CVYO player.

Arap Konyak was substituted a few minutes before half-time due to an injury, and his brother Manton took his place. Manton wasted no time and went on to head in the third goal for NUSC in the 47th minute.

Also read: NSF Trophy: Chedema VYO to face Nagaland United SC in grand finale

Beginning their tournament campaign in the pre-quarterfinal, NUSC scored a total of 16 goals in four matches, conceding two goals and an own goal.

Despite maintaining strong ball possession throughout the match, CVYO could not score a single goal. Their lone goal came from an own goal by NUSC’s Zidan Singh in the 79th minute.

Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who attended the closing ceremony, on the occasion called for renewing collective commitment to the ideals represented by the tournament and expressed hope that it would continue to be a beacon of hope, unity, and remembrance.

Remembering the two martyrs, late Kekuojalie Sachü and late Vikhozo Yhoshü, in whose honour the trophy was instituted, he urged everyone to continue building a Nagaland where every young person can “dream freely, play proudly, and live peacefully”.

He added that their supreme sacrifice on that fateful day continues to remind everyone of courage and conviction, saying, “These young men laid down their lives not for fame or recognition, but for the ideals of truth and fairness.”

Individual awards

Player of the Tournament: Sanathoi Metei (Nagaland United SC)

Best Custodian (Golden Glove): Sanaton Singh (Nagaland United SC)

Best Defender: Hemping (Nagaland United SC)

Best Midfielder: Manglienboi Neihsial (Chedema VYO)

Top Scorer (Golden Boot): Thokchom Adison Singh (10 goals) (Mez & Co.)

Fair Play Award: Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong

Most Promising Player (U-20): Suziilo Mao (Mao Students’ Union)

Best Coach: Khogen Singh (Nagaland United SC)

Best Referee: Thumli Joyshing Monsang

All the individual trophies were sponsored by Imli Sunüp Ao, proprietor of G-Sports, Chümoukedima.