By Dayo Awoniyi
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has suspended Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka amid allegations of insider betting, the league confirmed in a statement dated August 5, 2025.
The suspension follows an ongoing investigation triggered by a complaint from Plateau United, which alleges that Adeyinka rejected a contract offer from a prospective club due to a clause allowing immediate termination in the event of betting-related misconduct.
In a letter signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the league cited Article 15.5, Section B of the NPFL Framework and Rules, which prohibits players from participating in betting activities.
The NPFL emphasized that such allegations are treated with “utmost seriousness and urgency.”
Adeyinka has been asked to present his defense as part of the ongoing probe. The league further stated that betting by players compromises the integrity of the competition and damages the reputation of Nigerian football.
The goalkeeper’s registration will remain suspended until the investigation concludes and clears him of any wrongdoing.
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.
