The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that additional players will be summoned as part of its ongoing investigation into betting allegations in the league.
Last week, former Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka appeared before the NPFL disciplinary panel after he was suspended for allegedly refusing to sign a betting and match-fixing clause in a proposed deal with Shooting Stars Sports Club.
It was gathered that Plateau United petitioned the league against Adeyinka, which prompted his invitation. Although his suspension has since been lifted, the NPFL insists that more players will still be invited to clarify their roles in the matter.
In a letter obtained by The Port City News on Wednesday, August 27, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi explained that fresh findings from the probe warranted further inquiry.
“The information gathered, alongside our ongoing investigation, has made it necessary to invite everyone linked to this matter. All those mentioned will be called upon as the process continues,” Owumi stated.
He also assured Adeyinka of a fair hearing, adding that the suspension on his NPFL registration had been removed to protect his career. “You are now free to register with any club of your choice. We appreciate your cooperation,” Owumi noted.
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Adeyinka, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, explained via Facebook that his concern during negotiations with 3SC was the lack of clarity in the betting-related clause. He stressed that he only requested the club to base any decision on solid evidence rather than rumours or public opinion.
According to him, the Sporting Director later amended the contract to reflect this, after which he accepted the revised terms pending his agency’s approval. He further recalled that his dismissal by Plateau United was tied to a match against Sunshine Stars, where he was only on the bench, highlighting why he remains cautious about such clauses.
Meanwhile, some of Adeyinka’s former Plateau United teammates, who left the club following the controversy, are also scheduled to appear before the NPFL panel.
Last season, the NPFL investigated Lobi Stars after the club’s media officer, Emmanuel Ujah, accused players of match-fixing during a poor run of results. Ujah was later banned by the league after the inquiry.
