By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Aug. 11, 2025 (NAN) In a passionate appeal grounded in fairness and justice, the National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) has called on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to exercise caution and uphold due process in its handling of the recent betting allegation against goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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 NPFL season.
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, the union—under the leadership of Nigeria ex-international and Players Board Chairman, Sunday Abe—expressed concern over the league’s decision to suspend and publicly announce sanctions against Adeyinka before the conclusion of an investigation.
The NANPF emphasized the importance of building trust in the football justice system through a fair hearing, cautioning that any rush to judgment could result in a miscarriage of justice and irreparable damage to the player’s career and reputation.
While reaffirming its support for the NPFL’s zero-tolerance stance on betting, the union stressed that disciplinary action must be proportionate and guided by natural justice, not media headlines or unverified claims.
“It appears that the player has not been formally served with notice of the alleged offence, yet the matter was already publicized in the media without his knowledge or opportunity to defend himself,” the letter reads.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of the Garden of Eden—where even Adam was given the opportunity to respond to allegations—the NANPF called on the NPFL to mirror that principle of fairness and give Adeyinka the same chance to be heard.
As an alternative to full suspension, the union suggested a temporary ban from match participation rather than deregistering the player, to ensure the integrity of the sport is preserved without prematurely ending a player’s professional prospects.
“We advocate for fairness, due process, and the protection of the rights of our members,” said NANPF Executive Secretary, Comrade Austin Popo.
“Let’s not punish players before they’ve had the chance to be heard.”
The NANPF reaffirmed its commitment to clean, transparent football in Nigeria and expressed confidence that the NPFL would handle the situation with the dignity, professionalism, and fairness that the sport—and its players—deserve.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
