NPFL

Players’ union hails NPFL over fair hearing for goalkeeper Adeyinka

The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF), has commended the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for lifting the suspension on goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka.

NANPF President, Sunday Abe, expressed appreciation to the NPFL for granting the Plateau United FC goaltender a fair hearing after his provisional suspension in July over allegations of involvement in betting.

Sporting Tribune reports that the League body, on Thursday, announced that Adeyinka is now free to register with any club of his choice for the 2025/2026 season pending further investigation into the allegations.

Abe described the NPFL’s decision as a progressive step and praised the league’s willingness to engage with the players’ union. He also commended the NPFL for its professional conduct during the inquest and reiterated NANPF’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian footballers.

He said, “We are pleased that the NPFL granted our member, Adewale Adeyinka, the opportunity for a fair hearing and did not allow unproven allegations to truncate his professional career.

“As a union, we will continue to ensure due process is followed and that no player suffers unjustly. We thank the NPFL for listening to our position on this matter.”

The NANPF president also urged players to remain disciplined and cooperative when engaging with regulatory bodies and assured members of readiness to provide legal and moral support when needed.

The NPFL, in a statement signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, has said Adeyinka honoured its invitation and cooperated fully with investigators while adding that the goalkeeper had been cleared to resume his career as investigations continue.

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