By Bassey Ibiatisuho

Despite being on 8th position currently in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, players of the newly promoted side, Dakkada football club of Uyo have been receiving half salary payment by the club since September 2019. Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report authoritatively

The team which got promotion as Akwa Starlets before the change of name to Dakkada International defeated Shooting Stars 3-0 at the Nigeria National League promotion play-off match in Asaba last year to play in the elite division of Nigerian football.

In their first season in the league, Dakkada FC became the rave of the season producing great results against big teams in the league and did not take long to become a house-hold name in Nigerian football, thanks to their great form, especially away from home.

The talking point of the moment was when the went to Enugu and defeated former champions, Rangers 2-0 in their backyard.

However, with their fine form on the pitch, things have not been very fine off the pitch as it been revealed that issues of salaries, match bonuses and allowances have contributed a lot to the recent struggles of the team as the players’ motivation have dropped with each passing game.

Investigation further revealed that the players have been short-changed by the management since the commencement of the 2019/2020 NPFL season as the agreed terms and condition of their contracts have not been respected by the club as confirmed by one of the players.

The player who spoke in confidence said, ‘since I signed the deal, I have been paid half salary’

Another player who pleaded anonymity said ‘we are happy to play for the club but the club has not done well to encourage us.’

It was gathered that the management of the club promised to pay the players in full from January 2020, but three months into the year, the half salary payment continues in the club with the form of the team also dropping.

Again, as at the time of this report, some players of the football club were stranded in Uyo after the two weeks break announced by the club following the suspension of the league by the League Management Company. According to them they were dismissed without payment to travel to their families.

Dakkada FC currently occupies the eighth position on the NPFL log with 34 points from 26 matches.