“I’m innocent” – Adewale Adeyinka responds to NPFL betting allegations, suspension

By Dayo Awoniyi

Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka has publicly responded to his suspension by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) over insider betting allegations, maintaining his innocence and calling for a fair investigation.

In a detailed statement posted on his Facebook page, Adeyinka expressed frustration over the lack of formal communication from the league regarding the investigation.

“I received the suspension letter on the day I was supposed to resume with Shooting Stars, but I have not been invited to defend myself,” he said.

“I was advised to get a lawyer, but I am ready to represent myself and have been waiting for the league’s invitation since then.”

Adewale praised Shooting Stars for their professionalism during his contract negotiations but expressed concerns over a contract clause that allows immediate termination based on betting allegations without clear criteria.

“After reviewing the contract, I noticed a termination clause related to betting. I asked the club what evidence would be required to prove involvement, as some clubs rely on rumors or speculation. Shooting Stars assured me that only evidence-based judgments would be used,” he explained.

He also highlighted that the match leading to his contract termination at Plateau United was one in which he did not play, but was only on the bench.

The goalkeeper recounted recent events, saying, “I took permission to travel to Abuja for a visa interview, and while away, I saw news of my suspension. I contacted Plateau United, who denied sending any notice to the league about my investigation.”

Appealing for transparency and due process, Adeyinka concluded: “I urge the League Management Company (LMC) to formally invite me, Plateau United, and Shooting Stars to discuss and resolve these allegations.”

The NPFL has yet to comment on Adeyinka’s statement or provide updates on the ongoing investigation.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey 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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