Sports
Embattled Goalkeeper Adewale Welcomes NPFL’s Assurance of Fair Hearing, Urges Swift Resolution
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Respite is underway for goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, as the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have accepted to give the embattled keeper an opportunity to defend himself of the charges of a betting infraction, that resulted in his provisional suspension by the league body.
Goalkeeper Adewale had in a plea for a fair hearing to clear himself of the betting allegations, leveled against him, noted that linking him with betting was strange, and requested that officials of his former club Plateau United FC, and those of the club he intended to join, 3SC of Ibadan be present at hearing.
Speaking exclusively to veteran Sports Journalist and Head of Sports Radio Nigeria, Chinedum Ohanusi, a staff of the NPFL said it is within the rights of the player to be given a fair hearing, but the date for the panel to sit cannot be fixed by the player in the eye of the storm.
“I am indeed happy that the NPFL Committee said they will grant me the opportunity to prove my innocence
I’m not into gambling or betting, so I am very upset with this rumours and false assumptions. With just a week before the season kicks off, I think they can make it faster, and also invite officials of Plateau United and Shooting Stars to be present”, said Adewale.
With exactly one week before the transfer window closes, the 27-year-old Adewale who stands at 1:88 metres tall noted that football has always been part of his life; and from representing top clubs across Nigeria to wearing the country’s colors, he has given everything to this beautiful game, which has brought him fame and some fortune.
He added that it would be both uncharitable and stupid for him to indulge in any act capable of bringing the League, or football as a whole to disrepute.
Adewale’s travail started when he was about to sign for 3SC aka Oluyole Warriors, but he objected to a clause that he can only be held liable, if allegations of betting are proven by 3SC; an objection he said may have not gone down well with the Oluyole Warriors, who appeared to have relied on unfounded rumours from Plateau United in concluding that he, Adewale was into match-fixing.
The club subsequently notified the matter to the NPFL, who in turn slammed the keeper with a suspension.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
