Nigeria Leagues
Adewale Adeyinka responds to NPFL suspension over betting allegations
By Dayo Awoniyi
Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka has publicly denied allegations of involvement in insider betting, insisting on his innocence and calling on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to give him a fair hearing.
Adeyinka, who is currently suspended by the NPFL pending the outcome of an investigation, took to his official Facebook page to express frustration over the lack of communication and what he described as a suspension based on speculation.
In his statement, the former Akwa United shot-stopper said he had been preparing to sign a contract with Shooting Stars SC when he was informed of the clause regarding betting-related conduct.
“After I went through the club’s physical and hospital medicals, I was offered a contract. I noticed a clause stating that the contract would be terminated if a player was found involved in betting. I asked the club what criteria they would use to judge this,” Adeyinka wrote.
“I told the sporting director that if they would judge based on evidence, I would sign. This was important to me because Plateau United had judged me based on rumours and speculation.”
He further clarified that he did not play in the match which allegedly led to the termination of his contract at Plateau United.
“Even the match Plateau United terminated my contract over was one I didn’t play. I was on the bench in our away game against Sunshine Stars.”
Adeyinka also revealed he was on his way back from submitting his passport in Abuja for an embassy interview when he discovered the news of his suspension online.
He contacted the Plateau United secretary to inquire if the club had reported him to the NPFL or blocked his registration, but said he was told no such action had been taken.
“Since then, I’ve been waiting for the NPFL to invite me for questioning, but no invitation has come,” he said.
In his appeal to the NPFL board led by Honorable Gbenga Elegbeleye, Adeyinka pleaded for due process.
“This is my plea to the LMC: Invite me, invite Plateau United, and invite Shooting Stars. Let me defend myself.”
The NPFL had earlier announced his suspension on August 5, citing Article 15.5 (Section B) of the league’s framework which prohibits players from participating in betting activities.
The league management stated that the matter would be investigated thoroughly, and Adeyinka’s registration remains on hold pending the outcome.
