Imphal-born 22-year-old Ninthoi was part of the Indian under-17 team that played in the 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup hosted by India. He made his professional debut for the Indian Arrows in the I-League, where he scored twice in 25 appearances. He was signed by Indian Super League side NorthEast United in 2019.
He made 24 appearances for the team before signing for Chennaiyin FC in 2021. He scored once in his 26 appearances over two seasons. Ninthoi was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2019 SAFF U-18 Championship.
Ninthoi will add value to the team with his pace and youth on the flanks which will be vital to the club's performance in their second season in the ISL.
Kochi-born Nihal was signed by Kerala Blasters in 2019 and played for their reserve side in the I-League 2nd Division. He later joined the Indian Navy in 2020 and left the job after a year to re-join Kerala Blasters in the 2022 season, where he again played for the reserve side. The 23-year-old made his ISL debut for the Blasters in the 2022-23 season and impressed with his performances.
“We are delighted to sign Ninthoi and Nihaal for the upcoming season. Both are young players who will add pace and create scoring opportunities for the forwards. Both players will have important roles in the upcoming season,” said Nikolaos Topoliatis, Punjab FC’s Director of Football.
He made 24 appearances for the team before signing for Chennaiyin FC in 2021. He scored once in his 26 appearances over two seasons. Ninthoi was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2019 SAFF U-18 Championship.
Ninthoi will add value to the team with his pace and youth on the flanks which will be vital to the club's performance in their second season in the ISL.
Kochi-born Nihal was signed by Kerala Blasters in 2019 and played for their reserve side in the I-League 2nd Division. He later joined the Indian Navy in 2020 and left the job after a year to re-join Kerala Blasters in the 2022 season, where he again played for the reserve side. The 23-year-old made his ISL debut for the Blasters in the 2022-23 season and impressed with his performances.
“We are delighted to sign Ninthoi and Nihaal for the upcoming season. Both are young players who will add pace and create scoring opportunities for the forwards. Both players will have important roles in the upcoming season,” said Nikolaos Topoliatis, Punjab FC’s Director of Football.
