NPFL investigates goalkeeper over betting allegations
Player reportedly refused to sign a contract with Shooting Stars Sports Club that contained a clause allowing immediate termination in the event of betting-related misconduct.
Nigeria.- Former Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka has been questioned by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) inquest committee as part of an investigation into allegations of insider betting.
Held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the NPFL Secretariat in Abuja, the inquiry centered on Adeyinka’s alleged involvement in betting and match-fixing during the 2024/2025 NPFL season. The scandal was brought to light by Plateau United, which accused him of engaging in betting activities in violation of Article 15.5, Section B of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
Plateau United’s complaint to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was part of a larger scandal at the club, which was exposed when another player, who was also implicated in the same betting issue, sued the club.
A Plateau United official said: “Adeyinka had left the club, but another player involved in the scandal took legal action against us. So, we had to write the NFF and forward all evidence to them. Until this issue came up, we had not heard anything further.”
The allegations gained momentum when Adeyinka reportedly refused to sign a contract with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) that contained a clause allowing immediate termination in the event of betting-related misconduct. Following the claims, the NPFL suspended Adeyinka’s registration on August 5, 2025, pending the outcome of the probe.
Adeyinka, who joined Plateau United from Kwara United on a two-year contract at the start of the 2024/2025 season, was directed to appear before the committee with any evidence to support his defense. In a statement prior to the hearing, he denied the allegations, insisting on a fair process. He said: “I have nothing to hide, and I trust the committee will handle this matter justly.”
The case highlights the deep-seated challenges in Nigerian football, where match-fixing and betting have been persistent issues. In 2023, the NFF penalised ten players and officials for similar violations, with suspensions ranging from one to two years. In April of this year, the NFF issued a circular warning referees to maintain the integrity of the sport or face a lengthy ban.
The NPFL has not yet disclosed the outcome of the inquest, leaving Adeyinka’s career prospects in the league uncertain. Stakeholders await the committee’s findings, which could set a precedent for how betting allegations are handled in the future.
