Ex-Akwa United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka faces NPFL betting probe today

By Dayo Awoniyi

Former Akwa United, Kwara United, and Plateau United goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, will appear before the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Inquest Committee Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the NPFL Secretariat in Abuja over alleged involvement in football betting.

The investigation comes as part of the league’s intensified clampdown on activities that threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s topflight. Betting scandals have remained a recurring global concern, and NPFL authorities have vowed to maintain transparency and credibility in the domestic game.

Adeyinka, who played a pivotal role in Akwa United’s 2021 league-winning campaign before moving to Kwara United and later Plateau United, was once regarded among the NPFL’s most promising goalkeepers.

His agility and consistency between the sticks even earned him recognition as a potential Super Eagles prospect at the height of his career.

If found guilty of breaching betting regulations, the 26-year-old could face sanctions ranging from heavy fines to a lengthy ban from football-related activities — a punishment that would deal a major blow to his career and send a clear message to others.

The NPFL has in the past handed down suspensions to players and officials for similar offenses, stressing that the fight against betting-related misconduct is non-negotiable.

Meanwhile, football stakeholders and fans are watching developments closely. While some insist strict disciplinary action is necessary to protect the league’s credibility, others argue Adeyinka must be given a fair hearing to clear his name.

The outcome of today’s hearing is expected to set an important precedent as the NPFL continues its mission to safeguard the integrity of Nigerian football.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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