Nagaland Super League

Top 5 Under-20 Players in the Nagaland Super League 2025 Season

The Nagaland Super League continues to showcase remarkable young talent across its seven franchises. With a requirement for at least 5 under-20 players per franchise and at least 2 starting spots reserved for these youngsters, the competition is fierce. Here's our selection of the top 5 under-20 players making waves in the league:

The Criteria

To rank these rising stars, we considered:

1. Consistency: Starts and minutes played.
2. Impact: Goals, defensive contributions, and role in their team.
3. Potential: Age, versatility, and growth trajectory.

The Top 5 Under-20 Talents of 2025

1. S Ayenmongba (18, Forward – Frontier Warriors FC)

• Stats: 10 starts, 900 minutes, 3 goals (1 goal every 300 minutes).
• Why He’s Here:
Ayen is the embodiment of reliability. The 18-year-old started every game for FWFC, playing almost the full 90 minutes each time. His 3 goals and 2 assists—including a match-winning brace against Sechu Zubza FC—showcase his composure in front of goal. With 2 Player of the Match awards already under his belt, Ayenmongba has proven he can deliver when it matters most.
• Future Watch: If he sharpens his finishing, Ayen could become the NSL’s Young Star top contender.

2. Ngansang Phom (19, Forward – 27 UNITED FC)

• Stats: 8 games, 7 starts, 639 minutes, 3 goals (1 goal every 213 minutes).
• Why He’s Here:
Ngansang is the most efficient striker on this list. Despite fewer starts than Ayen and Arap, he matched their goal tally with a jaw-dropping goals-per-minute ratio. His equalizer against Red Scars in Match 8 proved crucial in securing a draw, a result that helped 27 UNITED FC climb back to 4th place in the league table.
• Future Watch: With more starts, he could dominate the scoring charts.

3. Arap Konyak (18, Forward – Longterok FC)

• Stats: 9 games, 8 starts, 597 minutes, 3 goals.
• Why He’s Here:
Arap combines raw pace with a striker’s instinct. His 3 goals include a stunning solo effort against Frontier Warriors, where he scored a brace, with the second goal being a composed slot into the bottom right 
• corner. Though slightly less polished than Ayen and Ngansang, his fearlessness and work rate have made him a fan favorite.
• Future Watch: Needs to improve decision-making, but his ceiling is sky-high.

4. Zensian Shangtea (19, Midfielder – Longterok FC)

• Stats: 9 starts, 762 minutes (85 minutes per game).
• Why He’s Here:
Midfielders rarely steal headlines, but Zensian is the engine of Longterok FC. Tasked with dictating play as a central midfielder, he’s started every game and rarely gets subbed off. While his stats don’t show goals or assists, coaches credit him for breaking up opposition attacks and launching counterattacks.
• Future Watch: A future captain in the making if he adds goals to his game.

5. Lamsanggin Hangsing (19, Midfielder – Red Scars)

• Stats: 10 starts, 900 minutes (played EVERY MINUTE of the season!).
• Why He’s Here:
Lamsanggin is the NSL’s ironman. At just 19, he’s played every second of Red Scars’ campaign, covering more ground than any player in the league. His stamina and discipline in midfield have been critical to his team’s structure. 
• Future Watch: With better passing accuracy, he could evolve into a complete box-to-box midfielder.

Honorable Mentions

These players narrowly missed the top 5 but are worth keeping an eye on:

1.Namang Yimjong (18, Defender – Longterok FC)

• Stats: 9 starts, 810 minutes, 1 goal.
• Why: A rock in defense who played every minute and even scored! Rare for a teenage defender.

2.Mangkholen (19, Midfielder – Barak FC)
• Stats: 8 games, 7 starts, 584 minutes.
• Why: Creative but needs more end-product. A key link between defense and attack for Barak. The fact that his team is full of seasoned players, is worth mentioning how they are leading the league table.

3.Ghuqhe Chishi (18, Forward – NUSC)

• Stats: 10 games, 9 starts, 737 minutes.
• Why: Started most games but needs to convert chances.

The Bigger Picture: NSL’s Youth Revolution

The NSL’s rule requiring 5 under-20 players per squad (with 2 starting) has transformed the league into a talent factory. This season, under-20s account for:

• Approximate 18% of all starts across the 7 clubs.
• 14 goals- Vinato Achumi (17) Youngest to score (including 9 from this list’s forwards).
• 3,798 total minutes played by the top 5 alone.

Fans and scouts alike are buzzing about these youngsters, proving that Nagaland’s football future is in safe hands.

What’s Next?

• Watch: Longterok FC’s trio (Arap, Zensian, Namang) could push for the title.
• Debate: Who’s the best young forward—Ayen, Ngansang, or Arap? 
• Mark Your Calendar: The NSL Matches are scheduled every Wednesday and Saturday showcasing these talents.

Final Words

The Nagaland Super League isn’t just about today—it’s about tomorrow. These five players (and their honorable-mention peers) are proof that the next generation is ready to lead. Keep watching, because the kids are more than alright… they’re unstoppable.

Date: March 13, 2025