Bulgarian First League side Botev Plovdiv have confirmed the signing of Samuel Kalu, making the Super Eagles winger the seventh Nigerian to represent the club since 2008.

The move ends a difficult spell for Kalu, who had been without a team for over a year following his release from Watford in August 2024, Footballrover reports.

Samuel Kalu joins Botev Plovdiv in fresh start

The 28-year-old arrives in Plovdiv with plenty of pedigree.

A product of the Golden Boot Soccer Academy, Kalu brings top-flight experience from England, France, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Belgium, having turned out for Watford, Bordeaux, Lausanne-Sport, AS Trencin, and KAA Gent.

Once hailed as one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking talents, Kalu has played in both the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League group stage, where he delivered goals and assists.

His addition gives Plovdiv both creativity on the wings and a proven track record at the European level.

A Marquee Signing in an Ambitious Project

Plovdiv have been on an aggressive recruitment drive, bringing in 17 players in recent months.

Among them are Nigerian-born forward Armstrong Oko-Flex and now Kalu, a marquee signing expected to bring star quality to the squad.

Kalu’s arrival also reinforces a long-standing Nigerian connection with the Bulgarian side.

Past players such as Tochukwu Nnadi, Samuel Akere, and Umeh Emmanuel have all worn Botev’s yellow, and now Kalu continues that tradition as “lucky No. 7”.

On the international stage, Kalu has earned 16 caps for Nigeria, scoring twice and providing three assists.

He was part of the Super Eagles squad at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he featured in three games.

His experience at the continental level is also expected to be an asset for Plovdiv if he regains form and fitness.

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Last Updated on September 23, 2025 1:52 pm by footballrover