Kohima: The highly anticipated Nagaland Super League (NSL) Awards Night is all set to be held on April 8, 2025, at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma.
The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, will mark a momentous occasion for football in Nagaland, celebrating the exceptional talents and contributions of players, coaches, and fans from the inaugural season of the league.
According to the NSL media team, the list of nominees was finalised by the Committee of Jury for the Nomination and Selection of the Individual Awards. The jury, comprising Neivikoulie Khatsu, Assistant Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) as Convenor; Mughato Aye, Vice President of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA); Kuputo Shohe, Joint Secretary of NOA; and AFC B License coach Roko Angami, also carried out a thorough statistical analysis of performances throughout the league before shortlisting the nominees.
The awards span across positional categories, individual excellence, fair play, and even special recognitions for fans and media. Among the most awaited categories are the Golden Glove, Best Midfielder, Best Striker, and Best Defender awards. Nominees include standout performers such as Dziesengulie Kire from Barak FC, Imtikumzuk Chang of Longterok FC, and Ato Awomi from NUSC for the Golden Glove.
Midfield excellence will see competition from players like Kenumdi Siarau, Cornelius Laldinsang Pudaite, and Lohrii Kaisii, while top forwards such as Manton Wangshu, Toka Achumi, and Nisede Peseyie are in the running for Best Striker.
The NSL Golden Boot, awarded to the league’s top scorer, will be presented to Toka Achumi of Barak FC, who has already been confirmed as the highest goal-scorer. Alongside the award, he will receive a Royal Enfield Hunter 350, a ₹1 lakh cheque, and a trophy.
Among the most prestigious accolades is the Golden Ball, awarded to the Player of the Season. The nominees include Toka Achumi and Kevisanyu Peseyie from Barak FC, along with Nisede Peseyie of NUSC, Kenumdi Siarau, and Longterok FC’s Kakhevi Assumi. The winner will be presented with a KIA Sonet, ₹3 lakh in cash, a trophy, and a citation.
Emerging talent under the age of 20 will also be celebrated through the Golden Star Award, with five young players from various clubs, including Ngansang Phom and Mangkholen, vying for the honour. The recipient will drive home a Toyota Glanza along with ₹2 lakh in prize money.
The NSL Governing Body has announced that the award for the Best Coach of the League will now be named “The William Koso Award,” in memory of the late William Koso. The gesture seeks to commemorate his contributions to the development of football in Nagaland.
The evening will also recognise excellence beyond the pitch with awards for Best Goal, Fair Play, and a suite of Media Awards, including Best Social Media Franchise, Best Social Media Player, Best Fan, and Best Influencer. Each category carries a cash prize of ₹10,000.
In a heartfelt gesture towards the fans, the NSL will also introduce Special Fan Awards, acknowledging the loyalty and passion of the league’s most dedicated supporters. Recipients will each receive ₹10,000 in cash.
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