NorthEast United FC’s Naushad Moosa Named India U-23 Team’s Head Coach

Naushad Moosa will start his new assignment on June 1, when the squad assembles for a preparatory camp.

NorthEast United FC’s First-Team Assistant Coach and Reserve Team Head Coach, Naushad Moosa, has been appointed as the Head Coach of the India U-23 national team.

The 53-year-old former India international returns to the role after previously leading the U-23 side in international friendlies against Malaysia in March 2024.

Naushad Moosa will start his new assignment on June 1, when the squad assembles for a preparatory camp.

Moosa’s first challenge in his new role will be leading the India U-23 team in two upcoming international friendlies against Tajikistan on June 18 and the Kyrgyz Republic on June 21, both set to take place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Beyond the immediate fixtures, he will also oversee the team’s long-term preparations for major tournaments, including the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers scheduled later this year.

Also joining the India U-23 national team setup is Amogh Adige, the 24-year-old First-Team Analyst from NorthEast United FC.

Adige, who was part of the U-23 coaching staff during the tour of Malaysia, returns to the role, bringing with him in-depth analytical experience and a strong understanding of the game developed through his tenure with NorthEast United.

Chinmoy Kalita, from Guwahati, who works as a first-team staff with NorthEast United FC, is travelling with the team as a ‘Team Manager’, marking a historic first for someone from Assam to take up this role at the national level.

Two players from NorthEast United FC, Assam’s Parthib Gogoi and Macarton Louis Nickson have been included in the 23-member India U-23 squad.

In a friendly against the host Tajikistan on June 18, Macarton provided an assist for India’s opener, while Gogoi came off the bench and scored India’s second goal. However, Blue Colts went down 3-2 against the hosts after conceding in the dying seconds of the match.

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