The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced plans to invite additional players for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation into betting allegations within the league.
Recently, former Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka faced the NPFL panel after reportedly failing to sign a betting and match-fixing clause in a contract offered by Shooting Stars Football Club. His former club, Plateau United, lodged a complaint that led to the player being summoned.
Although Adeyinka’s suspension from registering with any club this season has been lifted pending the investigation’s outcome, the NPFL is now escalating the inquiry.
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“In a written communication to the player, the NPFL stated that the information obtained during the inquest and other independent findings has led to the expansion to a full investigation that will involve all those whose names featured in some WhatsApp exchanges that are in the possession of the league,” the league said in a statement yesterday (Aug 27).
Player’s Union Hail NPFL For Fair Hearing
The President of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF), Sunday Abe, has praised the NPFL for its decision to lift the suspension on Adeyinka.
He expressed gratitude for the NPFL’s commitment to providing Adeyinka with a fair hearing following his provisional suspension in July due to allegations of betting involvement.
In a statement shared with the News Agency of Nigeria, Abe called the NPFL’s action a “progressive step” and commended the league for its openness to engage with the players’ union.
“We are pleased that the NPFL granted our member, Adewale Adeyinka, the opportunity for a fair hearing and did not allow unproven allegations to truncate his professional career,” he said.
He highlighted the NPFL’s professionalism throughout the inquiry process and reaffirmed NANPF’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Nigerian footballers. “As a union, we will continue to ensure due process is followed and that no player suffers unjustly. We thank the NPFL for listening to our position on this matter.”
Abe encouraged players to maintain discipline and cooperation with regulatory bodies, assuring them that NANPF stands ready to offer legal and moral support whenever necessary.
Adeyinka Speaks Out
Adewale Adeyinka has shared his view on the recent contract negotiations with Shooting Stars Football Club, particularly concerning a clause that could terminate the agreement in light of betting allegations
In a Facebook post, he explained that he sought clarification on how such allegations would be assessed, pointing out that some clubs might base their judgments on rumors or public opinion rather than solid evidence.
“I emphasised that I would be willing to sign the contract if the club agreed to base their judgment on concrete evidence,” he said.
“Following our discussion, the Sporting Director adjusted the contract to reflect that any judgment would be based on evidence. I accepted the revised terms and informed the director that I would seek approval from my agency before signing the contract.
“It’s worth noting that my previous contract termination by Plateau United FC was related to a match against Sunshine Stars FC, where I was not even part of the playing squad but rather on the bench. This experience has led me to seek clarity on the criteria used for judgment in such matters.”
