Samuel Kalu was one of the Super Eagles’ biggest stars just a few years ago, but he has slowly slipped into the doldrums, Afrik-Foot reports.

He made his debut for Nigeria in September 2018 under coach Gernot Rohr and made an immediate impact. He entertained fans with his skillful, direct style of play and proved to have a brilliant work rate. To even make it sweeter, he could operate from either wing.

At the time, he had just joined Bordeaux in Ligue 1 from Gent in a deal worth €8.5 million, and he was expected to be Nigeria’s next big star.

Who remembers this beauty by Samuel Kalu for the 🇳🇬@NGSuperEagles vs 🇧🇯Benin in Uyo.

Wonderful solo effort#randafooty #disfootballsef
🎥 Network 8 pic.twitter.com/EvjA0Odpth
— Andrew Randa (@RandaAndrew) June 14, 2020

Bordeaux’s Nigeria international winger Samuel Kalu🔥 🔥 pic.twitter.com/szEaySf9Hn
— Olúwashínà Òkélèjì (@oluwashina) January 10, 2019

He played a key role in the run-up to Nigeria’s qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, contributing one goal and two assists in four appearances.

However, at the tournament proper, Rohr dropped him, preferring Ahmed Musa on the right wing instead.

Nonetheless, he continued to receive regular call-ups to the national team until October 2021.

When It All Went Silent For Samuel Kalu

Since October 2021, Samuel Kalu has not been called up to the national team. This absence coincided with his struggles at the club level.

Victor Osimhen, Peter Etebo, and Samuel Kalu in Super Eagles training. — Samuel Kalu and other Super Eagles stars. (Photo by Imago)

He stopped getting regular minutes at Bordeaux, who were also struggling at the time. Then, in January 2022, he moved to Watford in a deal worth €3 million. However, he failed to secure consistent playing time, and the club was relegated that season.

Following that relegation, Kalu suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him out of action for the remainder of the year. He ended up playing just nine games throughout the entire 2022/23 season.

At the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Kalu was sent out on loan to Swiss side Lausanne. While he managed a decent return of three goals and two assists in 21 league appearances, they ultimately decided against making the deal permanent.

Samuel Kalu 28 at Watford Copyright:Imago xMikexJones/NewsxImagesx

After his loan, he returned to Watford. But barely two weeks into the start of the 2024/25 season, he parted ways with the Championship club.

Following his departure, Kalu failed to secure a move and remained clubless throughout the 2024/25 football season.

Samuel Kalu Back To Reckoning, But in Bulgaria

After spending a year without a club, Kalu joined Bulgarian top-flight side Botev Plovdiv on a one-year deal.

Peter Etebo, Joe Aribi and Samuel Kalu in Super Eagles. — Peter Etebo, Joe Aribi and Samuel Kalu for Super Eagles. (Picture: Imago)

He made his 17th league appearance for the club on Saturday, scoring his first two goals for the team and helping his side to an outstanding 5-0 win.

That result took Botev Plovdiv to 9th in the Bulgarian top flight, just two points below the Conference League playoff spot.

Watch Samuel Kalu Highlights For Botev Plovdiv

He will be hoping that this performance marks the start of a revival. The Super Eagles star is still only 28 years of age, so he still has several good years left in him.

Perhaps if he secures a move to a more competitive league and continues to produce goals and assists, he might earn the opportunity to add to his 17 caps for Nigeria.