Number 9 Name Solomon Theophilus Height 1.84 m Date joined 2014 | Playing position Role Footballer Current team HNK Sibenik | |
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Date of birth (1996-01-18) January 18, 1996 (age 19) –2012 Abuja Football College Academy | ||
Theophilus Solomon (born January 18, 1996) is a Nigerian footballer playing with NK Istra 1961, on loan from HNK Rijeka in Croatia's Prva HNL.
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Club career
Because of his fast pace and skills, during his youth years Solomon was referred to as 'Nigerian Ronaldo' by the media in his home country.
Rijeka
Solomon was one of several players who moved from the Nigerian Abuja Football College Academy to the HNK Rijeka Academy in 2012. In January 2014, he signed a 2 1⁄2-year contract with HNK Rijeka that tied him with the club until June 2016. In June 2016, Solomon signed a new two-year contract with Rijeka.
Pomorac (loan)
In January 2014, Solomon was loaned to NK Pomorac in 2. HNL together with his compatriot Aliyu Okechukwu, where he made nine appearances without finding the net. Following his return from loan, in mid-2014, he picked up the most valuable player and top-scorer award, with seven goals in five matches, at the 62nd international Kvarnerska Rivijera tournament with the Rijeka U19 team.
Zadar (loan)
In August 2014, Solomon was loaned to NK Zadar until the end of the 2014–15 1. HNL season. In Zadar, he made 13 league appearances, scoring his first goal in 1. HNL in a home loss to NK Lokomotiva on 6 December 2014. Solomon also scored a hat-trick in Zadar's win against Zagora Unešić in Round 1 of the 2014–15 Croatian Football Cup.
Šibenik (loan)
Following their spell with Zadar, in July 2015, Solomon and Okechukwu, this time joined by another Nigerian David Nwolokor, were sent on a season-long loan to HNK Šibenik in 2. HNL. With a tally of eleven goals, Solomon was the club's top scorer and the fourth top goalscorer in the league.
Istra 1961 (loan)
In July 2016, Solomon was sent on a season-long loan to NK Istra 1961 in 1. HNL. He scored on his debut, against NK Lokomotiva, in Round 3 of the 2016–17 Croatian First Football League.
International career
In mid-March 2016, Solomon was included in the 20-man Nigeria U23 squad for a friendly against Brazil, scheduled for 24 March in Rio de Janeiro. He came in as a substitute for Stanley Dimgba in the second half of the match, which Nigeria won by 1–0.