BERLIN, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- German first division league side Schalke 04 announced Sunday that they have signed Nigerian striker Chinedu Obasi on loan through to season's end from Hoffenheim with an option of a further extension.

Obasi, 25, will accompany his new teammates to their winter break camp in Qatar starting on Jan. 4.

The Nigerian striker's contract with Hoffenheim will be expired in 2014. He has made 65 appearances in Hoffenheim, scoring 13 goals but recently lost his place.

Schalke 04 are currently third in the league table, three points behind Bayern Munich.