NPFL to probe more players over betting allegations News

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NPFL to probe more players over betting allegations

By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 27, 2025

The Nigeria Premier Football League has said it will invite more players for questioning in an ongoing probe into betting allegations in the Nigerian topflight, The PUNCH reports.

Former Plateau United goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, was suspended and faced the NPFL panel last Thursday, after he reportedly failed to sign a betting and match fixing clause in a contract offered to him by Shooting Stars Football Club.

The PUNCH gathered that the player was indicted in a complaint lodged before the league body by his former club, Plateau United, hence his invitation to appear before the panel.

Adeyinka’s suspension has, however, been lifted by the league body, but the NPFL says more players will still appear before the panel.

“The information received from the inquest, coupled with our investigative findings, has necessitated further inquiry into this matter, and all those mentioned to be involved one way or the other in unravelling this matter will be invited as the investigation continues,” Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davidson Owumi said in a letter obtained by The PUNCH.

“However, for the benefit of fair hearing and not to put your career in jeopardy, the suspension placed on your registration in the NPFL has been lifted. You are free to register for any club of your choice. We thank you for your prompt response and cooperation,” Owumi told Adeyinka in the letter.

Adeyinka had since maintained his innocence before facing the NPFL panel.

“During the contract negotiation phase (with 3SC), I reviewed the agreement and noted a clause related to contract termination in the event of betting allegations. I requested clarification on the criteria used to determine such allegations, as some clubs may rely on rumours, speculation, or public opinion.

I emphasised that I would be willing to sign the contract if the club agreed to base their judgment on concrete evidence,” Adeyinka said in a Facebook post.

“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.”

The PUNCH also gathered that the other players who will appear before the NPFL panel are some of Adeyinka’s ex-Plateau United teammates, who left the club after the scandal.

Last season, the NPFL also investigated allegations of match-fixing involving Lobi Stars, after the club’s media officer, Emmanuel Ujah, accused the players of fixing matches amid their poor run.

Ujah was banned by the NPFL after the investigation.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 27, 2025