For Nigerian defender Daniel Edeh, the journey through professional football has been a story of resilience, growth, and unforgettable milestones.
From the muddy pitches in Agbara Ogun State where he cut his football cut with Ralek FA, the former Unique Star FA of Abuja has seen steady rise in his young football career.
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He started professionally local with Osun United, growing in leaps and bounds facing some of Africa’s football giants, Edeh’s steady rise is a testament to his dedication to the game.
Daniel’s professional career began at Osun United during the 2018/2019 season under coach Samson Unael.
His early promise saw him briefly join Kwara United, though circumstances didn’t unfold as expected. Not one to be deterred, Edeh moved to Niger Tornadoes, playing a key role in the club’s promotion to the NPFL.
“I was fortunate to help Niger Tornadoes earn promotion,” he recalled. “I even managed to feature in three NPFL matches before an opportunity abroad opened up.”
That opportunity came in Egypt, where Daniel signed a three-year contract with El Gouna FC. Despite joining mid-season and experiencing relegation that year.
Daniel’s perseverance paid off when the club bounced back to the Premier League the very next season, earning him a fresh two-year deal.
However, after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, Daniel made the decision to return to Nigeria, hungry for new challenges.
Daniel now plies his trade with Sunshine Stars, joining them midway through the current NPFL campaign. The fight to avoid relegation has been intense.
” Not playing at home has affected us — every game feels like an away match. The neutral ground doesn’t favor us because opponents come more determined to get a result.”
Still, Daniel remains optimistic about the club’s survival hopes and his own ambitions.
“It’s been up and down since I arrived,” he said. “But if we can win three straight matches, we will survive ” Edel assures.
Despite coping with Sunshine troubles, he still have his eyes on bigger dreams which include winning a League title and earning a call-up to the Nigerian national team remain Daniel’s immediate goals.
“It would mean the world to me to lift a League trophy, even if it NPFL title. I’ve already had the joy of winning the NNL title in 2020/2021. The next step would be representing my country.”
Reflecting on the high point of his career so far, Daniel points to his time in Egypt as his most cherished memory.
“Playing against Zamalek and Al Ahly was a dream come true. We lost 2-1 to Zamalek and 2-0 to Al Ahly, but just stepping onto the field against such legendary clubs was unforgettable. Their history and stature speak volumes.”
With his eyes firmly set on future achievements and the determination to keep improving, Daniel Edeh’s story is only just beginning. As he battles with Sunshine Stars and dreams of bigger stages, one thing is clear: he’s a young defender on a mission.
