Chornomorets add Nigeria centre-forward Christian Mba in Kharkiv loan deal

Christian Mba, the 26-year-old Nigeria centre-forward, has joined Chornomorets from fellow Ukrainian club Kharkiv on loan in a move running until 30 June 2027.

The 1.90m forward switches clubs after spending the previous part of his career with Kharkiv and becomes part of the Chornomorets squad competing in the Premier Liga. Mba is right-footed and operates primarily through the centre of the attack.

The move was completed on 3 September, with Mba’s Chornomorets registration covering the 2026-27 season. He has yet to make an appearance for the club in either the Premier Liga or the Ukrainian Cup.

Mba previously joined Kharkiv from Metalist 1925 in January 2025. That move followed a spell with Albanian side FK Partizani, where he won the Albanian championship in the 2022-23 season and the Albanian Super Cup the following campaign.

His time at Partizani began after a January 2023 transfer from Kosovo club KF Trepca 89. Mba had joined Trepca 89 on a free transfer in February 2022, marking the start of the senior career path that took him into Albanian and Ukrainian football.

The Nigerian’s move to Chornomorets gives the club another central attacking option, while Kharkiv retain his registration beyond the loan period. His recorded market value is €600,000, although no transfer fee has been attached to the temporary move.

Born in Asaba on 12 October 1999, Mba has spent his career playing in European domestic competitions, with his most recent football coming in Ukraine. His honours remain tied to his time in Albania, where he helped Partizani secure two domestic trophies across successive seasons.

Mba’s loan at Chornomorets is scheduled to conclude on 30 June 2027, when he is due to return to Kharkiv.