Theophilus Solomon (born 18 January 1996) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Kosovan club Dukagjini.

Theophilus Solomon
Solomon with Partizan in December 2017
Personal information
Full name Theophilus Solomon
Date of birth (1996-01-18) 18 January 1996 (age 28)
Place of birth Kaduna, Nigeria
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
Dukagjini
Number 45
Youth career
0000 Abuja Football College
0000–2012 Eco Football Club
2012–2014 Rijeka
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2014–2018 Rijeka 0 (0)
2014Pomorac (loan) 9 (0)
2014–2015Zadar (loan) 13 (1)
2015–2016Šibenik (loan) 31 (11)
2016–2017Istra 1961 (loan) 31 (7)
2017–2018Partizan (loan) 6 (0)
2018Omonia (loan) 7 (1)
2018–2019 Inter Zaprešić 7 (1)
2019 Újpest 10 (0)
2019–2021 Partizani Tirana 40 (8)
2021 Qadsia
2021–2022 Ballkani 19 (5)
2022–2023 Gjilani 19 (6)
2023– Dukagjini 16 (1)
International career
2016 Nigeria U23 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 June 2024

Club career

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Rijeka

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Born in Kaduna, Solomon played at Eco Football Club of Lagos before joining Croatian side Rijeka in June 2012.[1] He signed his first professional contract with the club in January 2014.[2]

Loan to Pomorac

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In order to gain some senior football experience, Solomon spent the initial six months of his Rijeka contract on loan at Druga HNL side Pomorac. He appeared in nine games until the end of the 2013–14 campaign, failing to score any goals.

Loan to Zadar

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In August 2014, Solomon was loaned to Zadar, alongside Domagoj Pušić, until the end of the 2014–15 season.[3] He scored a hat-trick in the first round of the Croatian Cup, on 24 September, leading his team to a 5–1 away win against Zagora Unešić. On 6 December, Solomon became the youngest foreigner to score a goal in the Prva HNL, netting the opener in an eventual 2–5 home loss to Lokomotiva Zagreb.[4]

Loan to Šibenik

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In July 2015, alongside his teammate David Nwolokor, Solomon was sent on a season-long loan to Šibenik.[5] He was the team's top scorer and fourth-highest in the Druga HNL that season with a tally of 11 goals.

Loan to Istra 1961

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In July 2016, Solomon went on another season-long loan, this time joining newly promoted Prva HNL side Istra 1961.[6] He finished the campaign with seven goals from 31 appearances, helping his team secure their league status.

Loan to Partizan

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On 12 August 2017, Solomon was transferred to Serbian club Partizan on a season-long loan with an option for a permanent transfer.[7]

Loan to Omonia

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On 30 January 2018, he was loaned to Omonia until the end of the 2017-18 season.[8] On 10 February he scored his first goal against Aris Limassol.[9]

Inter Zaprešić

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On 17 June 2018, Solomon was transferred to Inter Zaprešić as part of player-exchange deal.[10]

International career

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In mid-March 2016, Solomon was included in the 20-man Nigeria U23 squad for a friendly against the Brazil U23s scheduled for the 24th in Rio de Janeiro.[11] He came on as a substitute for Stanley Dimgba in the second half of the match, which Nigeria won by 1–0.[12]

References

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  1. ^ "Renegade Teen Star Tries Out In Croatia". allnigeriasoccer.com. 23 June 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Solomon potpisao ugovor" (in Croatian). nk-rijeka.hr. 30 January 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  3. ^ "Pušić i Solomon na posudbi u NK Zadar" (in Croatian). nk-rijeka.hr. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Solomon Breaking Records In Croatia". sl10.ng. 8 December 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Nwolokor i Solomon na posudbi u Šibeniku" (in Croatian). nk-rijeka.hr. 7 July 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  6. ^ "Theophilus Solomon na posudbi u Istri 1961" (in Croatian). nk-rijeka.hr. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  7. ^ "Nigerijac Teofilus Solomon u Partizanu" (in Serbian). partizan.rs. 12 August 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Στην ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ ο Theophilus Solomon" (in Greek). acomonia.com. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  9. ^ ""Ξεμπέρδεψε" εύκολα η Ομόνοια, μία… ανάσα από την τετράδα (pics)" (in Greek). Goal.com.cy. 10 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  10. ^ "Ajayi i Solomon trajno, a Čeliković i Vuk na posudbi u Inter-Zaprešiću" (in Croatian). NogometPlus. 17 June 2018.
  11. ^ "Osimhen, Imoh top Nigeria U23 squad for Brazil friendly". goal.com. 19 March 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  12. ^ "Seleção Brasileira Olímpica de Futebol perde amistoso para a Nigéria" (in Portuguese). clicrbs.com.br. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
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