Nigeria

Chijioke Aniagboso Fires FC Chornomorets Odesa Back to Ukrainian Premier League

Former Nigeria U-20 goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso has achieved a major career milestone after helping FC Chornomorets Odesa secure promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League following a decisive victory on the final day of the season.

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Sports247 reports that Chornomorets sealed their return to Ukraine’s top flight with a crucial 1-0 win in their last match of the 2025/26 Persha Liga campaign, capping off an impressive season for both club and goalkeeper.

Aniagboso, fondly known as “De Light Cejee,” played a significant role throughout the promotion-winning campaign. The Nigerian shot-stopper consistently produced outstanding performances between the posts, helping his side navigate a highly competitive season and ultimately achieve their promotion objective.

His performances did not go unnoticed, as he earned multiple Team of the Week selections and was also recognized in the league’s Team of the Month, highlighting his consistency and influence across the campaign.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Aniagboso’s season was his unique status as the only African black goalkeeper to feature in the Ukrainian Persha Liga.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a different football culture and environment, the former Flying Eagles goalkeeper demonstrated maturity, resilience, and professionalism throughout the season.

Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the division, Aniagboso impressed with his commanding presence, shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and leadership from the back. His performances proved crucial in several key matches as Chornomorets battled for promotion.

The achievement marks another important step in the young goalkeeper’s development since representing Nigeria at youth international level.

Having established himself as a reliable figure in Ukrainian football, he will now have the opportunity to test himself against stronger opposition in the Ukrainian Premier League next season.

For Nigerian football fans, Aniagboso’s success serves as another example of the growing impact of Nigerian players across European leagues.

His promotion-winning campaign reflects both his talent and determination to succeed abroad.

As FC Chornomorets Odesa prepare for life in the top flight, Aniagboso will be eager to continue his impressive rise and prove he belongs among the elite goalkeepers in Ukrainian football.

The future looks bright for the Nigerian goalkeeper, whose hard work has now been rewarded with a place in Ukraine’s highest division.