Nigerian Defender Makes Debut for Leicester City in U18 Premier League
Daniel Obi, a promising Nigerian defender, made his debut for Leicester City U18, as they claimed a 3-1 win against Norwich City. This was in an U18 Premier League fixture staged at the Leicester City Training Ground in Aylestone on Saturday, April 13.
The highly-rated teenager has agreed a scholarship deal with The Foxes which will be activated on July 1, 2019.Obi was impressive in the heart of defense, going the distance in the victory against The Canaries. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, his height is an asset as he has good aerial ability.
He is taller than former Arsenal and Liverpool central defender Kolo Toure, who is Leicester City’s first team coach. Arlott-John, Russ and Gyamfi got on the score sheet for Leicester City U18s while Dickson-Peters scored a consolation goal for the visitors, assisted by Tyrese Omotoye. Obi had attracted interest from three EFL Championship teams Derby County, Birmingham City and Leeds United but chose to join Leicester City.
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Obi agreed a two-year deal with English Premier League side Leicester City following a successful trial. The central defender moved a step closer to becoming a professional footballer after penning a scholarship deal with The Foxes. His agreement with Leicester City will be activated on July 1, 2019 ahead of the start of pre-season preparations and this is subject to the player successfully completing the club’s medical.
Leicester City have started offering their outstanding players scholarship deals now because they have to send decisions of who they are giving new contracts to the English Football Association. Therefore, clubs have to sort themselves early.
The former Premier League champions have in their ranks Super Eagles stars Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi. Obi hopes to follow in their footsteps by playing for the first team. Layton Ndukwu, Calvin Ughelumba and U17 World Cup winning midfielder Habib Makanjuola are also on the books of the King Power Stadium outfit.
