We report the construction of N-rich C3N4/MoS2 nanospheres from 2D layered materials that serve as potential anode materials for lithium-ion battery delivering a reversible capacity of 857mAhg−1 at 0.1C rate and superior rate performance of 383mAhg−1 at 10C rate. Display omitted •3D N-rich C3N4@MoS2 nanospheres scaffolds reported from 2D layered g–C3N4.•TEM confirmed N-rich spheres coated by MoS2 sheets forming an interconnected architecture.•N-rich C3N4@MoS2 scaffolds were explored as potential anode material for lithium ion batteries.•The electrode exhibited a high reversible discharge capacity of 857mAhg−1 after 50 repeated cycles.•At 10C, the electrodes deliver capacity of 383mAhg−1, which is superior to the pristine graphite anode. Deciphering the structural and volume changes occurring during electrode reactions in lithium-ion batteries is perhaps a boon for high energy density batteries. Here, we report the synthesis of 3D network of dichalcogenide molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) encapsulated over nitrogen rich graphitic carbon nitride nanosphere (g-C3N4) forming an interconnected and uniform g-C3N4/MoS2 scaffolds. The crystallinity, phase purity, morphological features and elemental composition were evaluated through XRD, FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, BET and XPS analyses. The electrochemical properties of N-rich g-C3N4/MoS2 scaffolds were investigated as potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical testing of the g-C3N4/MoS2 constructured electrode delivered reversible capacity of 857mAhg−1at 0.1C rate after fifty cycles and exhibited a high rate performance with reversible capacity of 383mAhg−1 at 10C rate (higher than theoretical capacity of graphite, 372mAhg−1). The superior electrochemical property of g-C3N4/MoS2 is attributed to N-rich carbon support which favors better electronic conductivity, and affords more sites for Li+ ions. The nitrogen rich carbon nitride accommodates volume changes caused during repeated charge/discharges and maintains high structural integrity and specific capacity.