NPFL Suspends Adewale Adeyinka Over Insider Betting Allegations

By Ibrahim Faruq Olamilekan

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has suspended goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka following allegations of insider betting, pending the outcome of an official investigation.

NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi confirmed the suspension after Plateau United raised concerns over Adeyinka’s alleged involvement in betting activities.

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Reports indicate that the dispute began when the goalkeeper declined to sign a contract with another club containing a clause that would automatically terminate his deal if found guilty of betting offenses.

With the 2024/25 NPFL season scheduled to kick off on August 22, Adeyinka’s registration has been frozen until the probe is concluded, a major setback for the former Akwa United shot-stopper, who was reportedly close to sealing a move to Shooting Stars Sports Club before the suspension.

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The NPFL stressed that betting by players, particularly on matches in which they are directly or indirectly involved, undermines the integrity of the league and damages the sport’s reputation. The league’s rules strictly prohibit such activities, with violators facing heavy sanctions.

Adewinka’s case marks the second high-profile betting scandal involving a Nigerian goalkeeper this year, following Maduka Okoye’s betting-related suspension in Italy.

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The findings of the current investigation will be pivotal in determining Adeyinka’s future in the NPFL and his professional career at large.