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 handling the recent betting allegation against suspended Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka.
NPFL suspended the registration of Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka, over alleged involvement in insider betting during the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
But in a formal letter addressed to the chief operating officer of the NPFL, the union—under the leadership of former Nigeria 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 emphasised the importance of building trust in the football justice system through a fair hearing, cautioning that any rush to judgement 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 has already been published in the media without his knowledge or opportunity to defend himself,” the letter stated.
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 reflect that principle of fairness and grant Adeyinka the same chance to be heard.
The union suggested a temporary ban from match participation rather than deregistering the player, ensuring 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,” stated NANPF Executive Secretary, Comrade Austin Popo. “Let’s not punish players before they’ve had the chance to be heard.”
