Mohali, July 16: Punjab FC have signed a two-year extension with versatile midfielder Nikhil Prabhu. The new agreement will see him remain with the club until May 31, 2028.
Nikhil has been an integral part of the Punjab FC setup since joining the club in July 2023 ahead of their debut Indian Super League season. Originally arriving as a defender, Prabhu seamlessly transitioned into a defensive midfield role, becoming a vital cog in the Shers’ engine room over the past few seasons.
Since joining the Shers, the 25-year-old has been a consistent presence on the pitch, making 51 appearances across all competitions and scoring one goal over his 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns. His standout performances in the middle of the park during the ISL earned him widespread praise and culminated in his maiden call-up to the Indian national team on May 28, 2025, for a friendly against Thailand and an AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong.
Prabhu subsequently made his international debut on June 4, 2025, coming on as a 67th-minute substitute against Thailand.
Continuing to provide tenacity, high work rate, and crucial interceptions, Prabhu remained a highly trusted player under the previous head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, featuring regularly to anchor the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game.
Speaking on his contract extension, Nikhil Prabhu said, “I am absolutely thrilled to extend my stay with Punjab FC. This club has given me a platform to grow, and the coaching staff has shown immense faith in me by entrusting me with new responsibilities on the pitch. We have built a strong mentality within the squad, and I am grateful for the continuous support from the management and the fans. I look forward to working hard, staying humble, and helping the team achieve our goals in the coming seasons.”
