Shalke move delights Nigeria striker Chinedu Obasi

Obasi could now feature in the Europa League

Nigeria striker Chinedu Obasi is delighted with his move to German side Shalke from rivals Hoffenheim.

Obasi has joined the Royal Blues on loan until the end of the season with a view to making the move permanent in the summer.

Schalke secured the right to first refusal if the striker decides to leave Hoffenheim at the end of the season.

"It's a big step forward to join one of the big teams in Germany," Obasi told BBC Sport.

"I'm delighted that both clubs reached a compromise before the Christmas break.

"It's another club that comes with a fresh challenge but I want to give my best as usual.

Obasi is expected to join up with his new team-mates next week for their eight-day training camp in Qatar starting on 4 January.

Officials of Shalke are also with their African capture.

"He's a quick and versatile attacking player," said Schalke manager Horst Heldt.

"On top of that he's also eligible to play for us in the Europa League."

Obasi moved to Germany in the summer of 2007 from Norwegian first division side Lyn Oslo to join Hoffenheim, then in the German second division.

In his first year with 1899 the 25-year-old was part of a promotion-winning side that took them into Germany's top flight for the first time in their history.