Samuel Kalu Resurfaces in Bulgaria, Joins Botev Plovdiv on Long-Term Deal
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Super Eagles winger Samuel Kalu has completed a switch to Bulgarian top-flight side Botev Plovdiv, signing a long-term deal as he seeks to reignite his once-promising career.
The 28-year-old has been without a club for just over a year following his mutual departure from Watford FC in August 2024.
Now, the versatile winger is eager to use this fresh start in Bulgaria to rediscover his form, consistency, and possibly return to Nigeria’s national team setup.
Kalu began his European adventure with Slovak side AS Trenčín in 2016, where his dazzling dribbling skills, pace, and flair quickly caught the eye.
A move to Belgium with Gent followed in 2017, and Kalu’s stock rose sharply as he delivered exciting performances in the Belgian Pro League.
His creativity and ability to beat defenders made him one of the standout Nigerians abroad at the time.
Girondins de Bordeaux (France)
In 2018, French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux signed Kalu in a deal reported to be around €8 million.
He enjoyed a bright start in France, producing goals, assists, and spectacular individual displays. However, injuries and inconsistency hampered his ability to fully establish himself as one of Ligue 1’s top wingers.
Kalu joined Watford in January 2022, becoming part of their attacking options in the Premier League and later the Championship.
Despite flashes of his brilliance, limited opportunities and recurring fitness challenges meant his time in England did not go as planned.
Kalu made his Super Eagles debut in 2018 and quickly became a key attacking option for Nigeria. His memorable moments include:
Being part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where the Eagles finished third.
Though injuries slowed his international progress, Kalu is still remembered as a winger with creativity, directness, and flair capable of unlocking defenses.
Now at Botev Plovdiv, Kalu has the perfect opportunity to rebuild his career. The Bulgarian league offers him the platform to regain fitness, confidence, and consistency away from the high pressure of Europe’s elite leagues.
If he rediscovers his old spark, a return to the Super Eagles fold could be on the horizon — a storyline many Nigerian fans would love to see.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
