Isaac Success: Ex-Premier League captain reveals why Nigerian U17 champion failed at Watford

Former Watford captain Troy Deeney has finally opened up about the reasons behind Isaac Success’ underwhelming Premier League career.

The ex-Premier League star lifted the lid on a training ground episode that, according to him, captured everything wrong with the Nigerian forward’s mindset.

In a raw and revealing interview, Deeney detailed how a decisive pre-season showdown between Isaac Success and Stefano Okaka was supposed to determine who would remain in the Watford squad.

According to the former skipper, it was a simple fitness test, but one that exposed more than just stamina. “I just said to Isaac, who was younger, probably more talented, ‘don’t you f****** quit,’” Deeney said. “If we run for seven minutes, you run for seven minutes.”

But Success, after six minutes, complained of hamstring issues and pulled out. For Deeney, that was the moment it all made sense. “You’re talented, had every attribute you needed, but up here [in his head] was like ‘I’m good, I’m getting paid, life’s good.’ He didn’t have heart”

The lack of fight and hunger, Deeney claimed, was what ultimately doomed Success despite his obvious physical gifts. In the end, Okaka was the one shown the door, but it was Success who never truly stepped up.

Despite winning the internal squad battle against Okaka, Isaac Success’ time at Watford did not live up to expectations.

The Nigerian striker, once touted as a rising star, managed just six goals across five seasons in England before moving to Serie A side Udinese in 2021. There, the struggles continued—another six goals, this time over three seasons.

After a short and uneventful stint with UAE club Al-Wasl, Success was released and now finds himself without a club heading into the 2025/26 season.

At only 29, the drop-off is steep and concerning for a player who once lifted the FIFA U-17 World Cup and had Europe watching. For Deeney, the warning signs were always there: talent, yes, but without the mentality.