Abhinav Kumar Singh 
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Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24), Kerala Blasters FC announced that winger Nihal Sudeesh has signed a new contract committing his future to the club till 2026.
The Kochi native, after being an integral part of the Kerala Blasters youth sides, made his senior team appearance during last year’s Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23).
Commenting on the extension, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said, “Nihal Sudeesh’s energy, creativity, and speed make him an ideal winger, ticking all the right boxes in terms of skill and temperament.”
“He has been someone who has grown through our system, so it was very heartening to see him make constant progress as a player during last year’s ISL. I am very pleased that Nihal agreed to sign a contract extension, committing his future with the club till 2026. I wish Nihal all the very best and hope he would cement himself within the core of the KBFC squad, during the upcoming time period,” he added.
Nihal Sudeesh Career
Nihal’s connection with Kerala Blasters goes beyond his time joining the youth development program with KBFC. In the 2015-16 ISL season, Nihal was a ball boy at the sidelines of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi from where he witnessed all the action from close quarters, igniting a passion for football within him that has driven his growth ever since.
After a period of time within KBFC’s youth system, Nihal represented the KBFC Reserves team in the 2019-20 I-League 2nd division, prior to pursuing a job with the Indian Navy.
However, Nihal would soon quit his job at the Navy to follow his passion for football with a complete focus on KBFC. In 2022 he would represent the club’s reserve team at the Reliance Foundation Development League and Next Gen Cup in the UK. His impressive performances earned him a senior team call-up during pre-season and he eventually cemented a place in the squad.
In his first year with the senior team, Nihal made an encouraging 6 appearances in the ISL and Super Cup showcasing a great turn of pace, mentality, and willingness to learn and improve.
