The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) says more players will be invited for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation into betting allegations in the country’s topflight, The PUNCH reports.
Last Thursday, former Plateau United goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, appeared before the league’s disciplinary panel after his suspension over betting-related concerns. His case stemmed from a petition filed by his former club, Plateau United, which alleged misconduct after Shooting Stars included a betting and match-fixing clause in a contract offered to him.
Although Adeyinka’s suspension has now been lifted, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi confirmed that the probe would widen.
“The information received from the inquest, coupled with our investigative findings, has necessitated further inquiry,” Owumi said in a letter obtained by The PUNCH.
“All those mentioned in connection with this matter will be invited as the investigation continues. However, in the interest of fair hearing, the suspension on your registration has been lifted. You are free to register with any club of your choice.”
Adeyinka maintains innocence
The goalkeeper, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, explained in a Facebook post that he only sought clarity during contract negotiations with Shooting Stars.
“I noted a clause that allowed termination in the event of betting allegations. I asked that judgments be based on concrete evidence, not rumours or speculation,” he wrote.
He further linked his caution to his controversial contract termination at Plateau United following a Sunshine Stars game, where he was on the bench and did not play.
Probe widens
The NPFL investigation is expected to extend to some of Adeyinka’s former teammates at Plateau United who left the club after the scandal.
Last season, the league also investigated match-fixing allegations against Lobi Stars. That case ended with the NPFL banning the club’s media officer, Emmanuel Ujah, who had accused players of deliberately throwing matches during a poor run of results.