'Master of Success' – Edogun looking to lay a marker at old club

When Success Edogun walks out to Treaty United's Markets Field this weekend for Finn Harps, it would only seem appropriate if U2’s poetic 1984 composition ‘A Sort of Homecoming’ roared from the rafters. 

After all, it is where the young striker honed his craft for nearly two years, but on Friday, he’ll be attempting to show how much he has pushed on during his short period in the north-west. 

He might only be 22, but he seems to be the ‘missing link’ that Finn Park so badly needed last season in terms of danger, with ‘Big Success’ not afraid to impose his personality on a team and take control. 

With his ferocious attitude up top and lovable rogue personality, it is easy to see why fans have taken so fondly to him after such a short period of time in Donegal. 

With two goals already to his name, there could be little argument that he could be one of Darren Murphy’s greatest finds, and had it not been a phone call during Christmas last year, the stadium by the river Finn could be roaring the name of a different striker. 

“I was assessing my options at the end of the season last year. I had a couple of options of where I could go, and Treaty also wanted me to stay with them too,” Edogun told Donegal Live.  

“I know Finn Harps didn’t have a good season last year, but when ‘Murph’ called me at Christmas last year and spoke to me about his plans for me in the team, I just really liked what he was saying. I liked how passionate he was speaking, and I just thought it would be a good challenge for me, and I’m really happy with my decision.” 

There’s no question, like most clubs, Murphy saw something in him. His sporting CV tells us that. His talent reaches beyond the realms of the League of Ireland, with the Kilkenny man cutting his time at the international level for Ireland in rugby sevens. 

A natural all-rounder perhaps, but Edogun always knew that his heart and head would lead him back to the game he loved. 

“My school was a rugby school, so when I was a teenager, I played both,” Edogun said. “I actually excelled in rugby and was able to make the Ireland Sevens team. So, for a brief time, I was playing more rugby than football. 

“I was lucky to play in an U-18 European Sevens competition in Poland, which we won back in 2019, so we were a good side. I actually scored in the final against Spain, so I enjoyed my time playing rugby. 

“I went to a high level very quickly playing rugby because I only started playing it when I was 16 and I was probably playing rugby at a higher level than football, but my love for football wouldn’t let me give it up. 

“But when I started playing for St Pat’s U-19s, I had to make a decision. My love for football was just that bit stronger, so I wanted to focus on that and see where it takes me.” 

Despite the scenic change, Edogun has never once stepped back to wonder if he made the right choice as he begins to carve his name as one of Donegal’s favourite sons of 2024 so far. 

“This is not an area I’d be familiar with when you compare it to where I played in the past, but I’m loving my time here, it’s an enjoyable experience, it’s my first time living away from home too. It’s just brilliant to be doing what you love for such a great club in a brilliant place. 

“This is all a new experience for me. Like even our first trip to the island, I didn’t know what we were doing when we went out to Arranmore, but those are the things you remember and think back on as fantastic memories. It was a great bonding session and a brilliant way to get to know each other. 

“The players all look out for each other here in Finn Harps, they care about each other, and that was immediately noticed as soon as I landed in Donegal.  

“I couldn’t believe the passion of our fans. The other players spoke about it, but it only truly hit me when I played the first home game against Cork. You notice how much the fans get behind you and want you to win, but at the same time, they’re not afraid to let their voices be heard. They demand the best from us.” 

But for now, the pressure looms for the Kilkenny striker as he returns to his old stomping ground determined to detonate whatever explosive he has in his artillery and get harps back to winning ways. 

“I’m looking forward to running into a few old faces,” said the Harps striker. “It’s going to be a tough match this weekend. Treaty are second in the league and are unbeaten this season, so our aim is to go out and be the first team to beat them. 

“We were really annoyed with the result last week against Kerry. We were full of confidence after the win away to Wexford, we tried to get a bit of momentum going but it wasn’t to be. We got a point at least but we’re always looking for three points and hopefully we get that on Friday.”