Samuel Kalu joins five other Nigerians at Watford
By Yemi Sodeeq
In what could be described as an unending and undying belief in African talents, Watford FC of England has added another Nigerian player to their rank.
Watford on Wednesday announced the signing of Nigeria winger Samuel Kalu on a deal until June 2025 from Ligue 1 outfit Girondos Bordeaux.
The Club official statements says, “The 24-year-old signs for the Hornets following three-and-a-half successful years in France’s top tier, where he scored nine goals,”.
Kalu joins fellow compatriots like Defender; William Troost Ekong, Midfielder;Ogenekaro Etebo, Striker; Dennis Bonnaventure, Tom-Dele Bashiru who is currently on loan at Reading and Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye who is also on loan at Sparta Rotterdam at the team.
He also became the fourth signing of the January window transfer following the arrival of full-back Hassane Kamara, central defender Samir and midfielder Edo Kayembe.
Club statement described Kalu as a player capable of playing on either flank, a versatile option in a competitive squad who can also typically operate on the right-wing.
Club statement recalls that “The quick-footed attacker first played for Slovakian side AS Trenčín after moving to Europe from his native Nigeria, and earned a switch to Belgian giants KAA Gent in 2017 following impressive performances. He then joined Bordeaux in August 2018, where he has since made 86 appearances for Les Girondins.
“Kalu also has plenty of experience at European and international level, having played Europa League and Champions League qualifying football at his three previous clubs. Making his Super Eagles debut in September 2018, the winger also has 17 caps for Nigeria, scoring on his last competitive start against Benin” It added.
Recall that another Nigerian,Isaac Success left the Club in 2021. Daniel Mebude is another player of Nigerian descent playing for the Club but currently playing Scotland National team.
Less than 24 hours to Kalu’s move, the club also announced Roy Hodgson as its new Manager after sacking Claudio Ranieri.
Despite huge investment, it’s been a poor run of form for the Hornets who are currently seating 19th on the log with 14 points from 20 games.
The team is however poised to turn things around with the latest moves of players and coaches in to their camp.
