Samuel Kalu

Samuel Kalu Ojim (born 26 August 1997) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as winger for Bulgarian First League club Botev Plovdiv.

Club career Kalu started his football career at GBS Academy in Jos, Nigeria.

AS Trenčín On 9 December 2015, Kalu agreed to sign a two-year contract with Slovak side AS Trenčín, a partner club with GBS Academy at the time. He made his professional debut for Trenčín against Slovan Bratislava on 27 February 2016.

Gent On 4 January 2017, after his impressive displays in the Slovak League with Trenčín, Kalu was transferred to Belgium top division club KAA Gent.

Bordeaux On 6 August 2018, Kalu signed for Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, signing a five-year contract. He was handed the number 10 jersey on arrival.

On 15 August 2021, Kalu collapsed in a game against Marseille. He was able to get up and walk off the pitch with his teammates’ help while holding an ice pack against his head. Eight minutes later, he was substituted off for Rémi Oudin.

Watford On 26 January 2022, Kalu joined Premier League club Watford on a three-and-a-half-year deal until 2025.

FC Lausanne-Sport On 7 September 2023, Kalu joined Swiss Super League club FC Lausanne-Sport on a season long loan from Watford.

FC Botev Plovdiv In September 2025, Kalu joined Bulgarian First League club Botev Plovdiv after leaving Watford as a free agent. Following an impressive debut season, he signed a contract extension with the club until 2029 in July 2026, ending speculation over his future after attracting interest from several clubs.

International career On 13 October 2018, he scored his first international goal with the Nigeria senior national team against Libya. He scored the final goal in a 4–0 victory.

Kalu collapsed whilst participating in a team training session during the AFCON 2019 held in Egypt. Though rumours had it that he suffered a heart attack, this was later debunked as he collapsed as a result of severe dehydration. He was later released from the hospital to link up with the rest of the squad in Alexandria.

Personal life Kalu's mother was released on 5 March 2019, having been kidnapped six days previously.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kalu goal.