The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has suspended Plateau United’s goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, as an investigation into allegations of insider betting gets underway. The suspension, which puts the player’s registration on hold, was prompted by a formal complaint from his club, Plateau United.
The Allegations and the NPFL’s Stance
According to a letter from the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the suspension is a direct result of an ongoing investigation into betting activities during the 2024/2025 season. The league’s suspicion reportedly deepened when Adeyinka, who was close to a move to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), allegedly refused to sign a contract with a new club. This refusal was reportedly due to a clause that would allow for immediate contract termination in the event of any betting-related implications. The NPFL stated that this action reinforced their belief that the allegations should be taken with “the utmost seriousness and urgency.”
Player’s Response and Call for Fair Hearing
In a recent social media post, Adeyinka denied the allegations and requested a fair and transparent hearing. He explained that his refusal to sign the contract was not an admission of guilt but a request for clarification. According to Adeyinka, he wanted to ensure that any judgment would be based on “concrete evidence” rather than “rumours, speculation, or public opinion,” citing a past experience with Plateau United. He stated that the Sporting Director at 3SC agreed to revise the contract to reflect this, but the suspension was announced before the deal was finalized.
Rules and Next Steps
The NPFL has reminded all players of Article 15.5, Section B of its Framework and Rules, which explicitly prohibits players from betting on matches. The league has warned that this conduct “undermines the integrity of the league and brings the game into disrepute.” Adeyinka will be formally invited to present his defense as the investigation proceeds. His registration with the league will only be reinstated if he is cleared of the wrongdoing.
