AFC Fylde bring in former Liverpool, Bury and Wigan Athletic youngster

The 19-year-old defender has joined the Coasters on a non-contract basis after leaving Wigan Athletic at the start of February and links up again with former Latics coach Nick Chadwick.

Obi made his professional debut in August 2016 when, aged 15, he featured for Bury in their Checkatrade Trophy win against a Morecambe side then managed by current Fylde boss Jim Bentley.

Two months later, he moved to Liverpool for a six-figure fee before signing his first professional contract with Wigan in November 2018.

During his time at the DW Stadium, Obi was a member of Wigan’s Under-18 squad that lifted the EFL Youth Alliance title, EFL Youth Alliance Cup, the Central League title and the Lancashire FA Youth Cup.

After impressing the Latics’ coaching staff earlier this season, Obi went on to make nine first-team appearances in league and cup.

Bentley said: “Emeka is a very good young player who has already been exposed to first-team football at Bury and Wigan Athletic.

“He’s a big, strong, athletic centre-half and somebody who has the potential to go a long way in the game.

“Nick Chadwick has worked with Emeka previously at Wigan and rates him very highly.

“He’s a good character which is extremely important to us. We are delighted to welcome him to the football club and are very much looking forward to working with him.”

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