Kalinga Warriors Strengthen Squad
Odisha FC confirmed on Thursday that Indian winger Nihal Sudeesh has signed a two-year contract, committing to the club until 2028. Securing this dynamic 25-year-old provides a direct boost to the Kalinga Warriors as they prepare for the demanding Indian Super League season ahead. Football commands an incredibly passionate following across Odisha, and bringing in high-level domestic talent aligns perfectly with the regional push to dominate national sports arenas.
Hailing from Kochi, Kerala, Sudeesh initially honed his athletic skills at FA Cochin before advancing into the highly competitive youth academy of Kerala Blasters FC. Standout performances during the Reliance Foundation Development League caught the attention of top coaches, which rightfully earned him a promotion to the senior squad for the 2022–23 ISL campaign. He stepped onto the main stage in October 2022, ironically making his professional debut in a match against his future team, Odisha FC. Over time, he cemented his role within the senior setup and successfully netted his first professional goal during a 3–1 victory over Hyderabad FC in April 2024.
Recent Stints and Performance
Seeking consistent playing time, Sudeesh transitioned to Punjab FC on a season-long loan deal in July 2024. He quickly made his presence felt on the field, notably scoring against Odisha FC in a 2–1 triumph that earned him Player of the Match honors. Throughout the 2024–25 ISL season, he consistently contributed, logging 20 total appearances, finding the net once, and supplying two assists. Returning to the Kerala Blasters setup for the 2025–26 season, he featured in 10 league games, scored one goal, and added another assist during their Super Cup run.
Now embarking on an exciting challenge, Sudeesh brings essential speed, adaptability, and proven ISL experience to the Bhubaneswar-based franchise. Expressing his genuine enthusiasm, the energetic winger stated he feels very happy joining the club and eagerly anticipates this next phase of his career. He emphasized his excitement to perform for the dedicated fans and promised to give maximum effort every single day to drive the team toward long-term success.
