Super Eagles forward Samuel Kalu has joined Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv, in what many see as a last chance to revive a once-promising career. The 28-year-old winger signed a long-term contract as a free agent, becoming the club’s 17th summer signing.
Kalu’s move resonates well with former Nigeria internal Emmanuel Okoduwa, who in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed belief that the former KAA Gent winger now has a chance to revive his career.
“I am happy that Kalu now has a club as he has been out of football for some time, so it is a good thing he has gone to Bulgaria. There will not be too much pressure on him there, so he can gradually build up his form and confidence with the club. I know Botev love Nigerians because they have had a few, and Anthony Ujah just left them, so Kalu will be in good company in my opinion,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
The former Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk forward also said Kalu has a lot left in the game and will secure a bigger move once he settles down in Bulgaria.
“Kalu is a very technical player and creative too, and this will come in handy for Botev when he starts playing for them. Players like him are exciting to watch, and I am sure the Bulgarian fans will enjoy his game. I am sure once he settles, he will perform well and hopefully get another opportunity to play in a bigger league,” Okoduwa added.
Kalu has been without a club for over a year, following a difficult spell at Watford, where he struggled for playing time after joining in 2022. A loan move to Swiss side Lausanne-Sport did little to change his fortunes, as the club opted not to sign him permanently.
— Botev Plovdiv (@Botev_EN) September 22, 2025
The Abia-born attacker began his career at GBS Academy before moving to Europe with AS Trenčín in Slovakia. His performances quickly earned him a switch to KAA Gent in Belgium, where he established himself as an exciting prospect.
In 2018, he secured a big-money transfer to Bordeaux in France for a reported €8 million, further cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking talents at the time.
However, inconsistency and fitness struggles saw his progress stall. Though he made a shock move to Watford in the English Premier League, Kalu failed to make a major impact, recording only a handful of appearances before being sent on loan.
Internationally, Kalu has been capped 17 times for the Super Eagles, scoring twice. He was part of Nigeria’s squad to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, although his participation was limited after a health scare in training before their opening game.
