Solomon Kantoma: Our market value as NPFL players is very low

Dakkada FC defender, Solomon Kantoma has bemoaned the low value placed on players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). In a chat with Trust Sports, the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna graduate further said NPFL players need to put in the extra work to get noticed by better leagues.

Let’s go down memory lane, when did you start your career?

I started my professional career in 2013. I have played with several clubs before joining Dakkada FC. But along the line, I stopped playing football to further my education in Kaduna.

How much education have you acquired?

I have my HND from the Federal Polytechnic in Kaduna and I also served in Kaduna.

It must have been challenging, combining education with football, how did you cope with it?

It was by the grace of God. It wasn’t easy at all. I had to stop to continue my education because of my parents. It was in my final I signed a contract with Kada City in the second divison before the slot was sold to Delta Force.

As a player, what is your trophy cabinet like?

I have not won any league or trophy yet, but I was part of the squad that brought Kada City to the NPFL. We played the Super 8 in Aba which ensured our promotion to the top-flight football.

How much joy have you derived from playing football?

Football is my life, but my parents wanted me to go to school. I had to respect their decision, but football is all I want to do. I really want to make my name through football and play abroad as well.

Just like every other player, have you had trials with foreign clubs? And what is your favourite European club?

I love Madrid. I have had trials to play abroad but have not been able to secure one to ply my trade outside Nigeria.

Have you ever been invited to play for the national teams, especially the Super Eagles?

I have never played in any of the national teams. I just believe it is by the Grace of God and my time is yet to come. I am not bothered about me not playing for the Super Eagles. But when it is my time, I will be ready to play for Nigeria.

As a stakeholder in the NPFL, how can you rate the league you are currently playing in?

Actually, the NPFL is way behind other countries as our league is hardly televised. Even our market value as players is very low compared to other African leagues. Playing in this league requires extraordinary efforts to get noticed by better leagues.

The rate of corruption is high, but to the glory of God as regards the referring aspect has improved. We can see the away teams getting the wins unlike what used to happen in the past.

We play better football now compared to the past. If you don’t have the stamina, you can’t play in this league.

Dakkada FC is owned by the Akwa Ibom government just like Akwa United, how much support has the club received from the owners?

Dakkada FC is a platform that one can use to showcase your talents not a place to stay for life. You can’t compare the club with Enyimba, Rivers United who are more established, but the government has tried its best to build the club.

So many of the players like Austin Asayande, Imo Obot, Isaac George and many others came from Dakkada FC to join bigger clubs.

Nigeria in recent times has not done well in continental football, in your own view, what can be the root cause?

I have never played continental football and I can’t really say why Nigerian clubs not doing well on the African stage.

Can you share your dreams with me?

My dream is to play for Real Madrid or Manchester United.