Samuel Kalu


Samuel Kalu is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as winger for French club Girondins Bordeaux and Nigeria.

Club career

Samuel Kalu started his football career at GBS Academy in Jos, Nigeria. In 2015, he signed with AS Trenčín, a partner club with GBS Academy at the time. After his impressive displays in the Slovak League with Trenčín, he joined KAA Gent in 2017. His spell in Belgium was successful and in the summer of 2018 he signed for French top division club Bordeaux. He was handed the number 10 jersey on arrival.

AS Trenčín

On 9 December 2015, Kalu signed a two-year contract with the Slovak side AS Trenčín. He made his professional debut for Trenčín against Slovan Bratislava on 27 February 2016.

Gent

On 4 January 2017, he 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.

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 during the Nigerian team training session during the AFCON 2019 held in Egypt. Though rumours had it that he suffered a heart attack but 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

International

International goals

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.13 October 2018Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Nigeria4–04–02019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
2.13 November 2019Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria2–12–12021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification