NPFL: Professional footballers urge fair hearing in Plateau United goalkeeper’s betting allegation
The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers has urged the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to ensure due process in Adewale Adeyinka’s betting allegation case.
The NPFL suspended the registration of Plateau United goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, over allegations of involvement in insider betting.
A statement by the NPFL on Aug. 5 said Adeyinka was accused by his club of insider betting during the 2024/2025 NPFL2 season.
The call was made in a letter addressed to the NPFL Chief Operating Officer by NANPF chairman, Sunday Abe, a former Nigerian international on Monday in Abuja.
The union expressed concern over Adeyinka’s suspension and media exposure before an investigation was concluded, describing it as prejudicial.
NANPF said the action could undermine trust in the league’s disciplinary process and cause lasting damage to the player’s reputation.
The union acknowledged NPFL’s anti-betting stance but stressed that justice must be fair, proportionate, and not based on unproven claims.
According to NANPF, Adeyinka has not been formally notified of the allegations, yet details were circulated in the media.
NANPF drew a parallel with the biblical story of Adam, who was given a chance to respond to allegations in the Garden of Eden.
It urged NPFL to apply the same principle by granting Adeyinka a fair hearing before imposing any sanctions.
The union suggested a temporary ban from match participation instead of full deregistration, pending the investigation’s outcome.
NANPF Executive Secretary, Austin Popo, said justice must prevail without harming careers prematurely.
He reiterated NANPF’s commitment to integrity in football while calling for a balanced approach to handling such cases.
The union expressed confidence that NPFL would act with fairness, professionalism, and uphold the integrity of the league.
(NAN)
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