Nigerian Duo On Song: Samuel Kalu Rescues Botev Plovdiv as Godwin Aguda Impresses in Sweden
Fresh from committing his long-term future to Botev Plovdiv through June 2029, Samuel Kalu made an immediate impact in their 2026/27 Bulgarian First Professional League opener.
Having already opened his account during pre-season in a 4-0 routing of Beroe, the 28-year-old Super Eagles winger carried that fine form straight into competitive action.
Botev Plovdiv controlled the early tempo at home, but a scoreless first half was quickly forgotten when visitor Dimitar Kostadinov caught the hosts off guard just four minutes after the break to put the opposition ahead.
The home side pressed for a response and finally broke through in the 79th minute. Kalu combined brilliantly with substitute Carlos Meotti, setting up the equaliser to secure a hard-earned 1-1 draw and ensure his team picked up a point on opening day.
Aguda Sets Up Early Leader, but Falkenbergs Suffer Dramatic Collapse
Over in the Swedish Superettan, it was a bitter-sweet outing for Godwin Aguda during Falkenbergs FF’s Round 15 encounter.
The former NPFL star got off to a flying start, laying on the assist for Hampus Källström to open the scoring after just nine minutes.
The contribution marked back-to-back games with an assist for the 28-year-old—following his setup in a 4-2 victory over IK Brage—and brought his season tally to three goal contributions (1 goal, 2 assists) in 15 appearances.
However, Falkenbergs unravelled rapidly midway through the first half:
30′ — Alvin Nordin restored parity for Helsingborg.
35′ — Timothé Rupil completed the turnaround for the visitors.
37′ — Alexander Johansson made it 3-1 to Helsingborg.
39′ — Albin Andersson pulled one back for the hosts, but no further goals followed.
Aguda put in a 71-minute shift before being replaced by Hugo Komano. Despite the early spark, Falkenbergs could not complete a comeback and fell to a 3-2 defeat, sliding to third place on 28 points—two points behind league leaders Varbergs BoIS FC.
