Daniel Daga, a Nigerian midfielder, was found guilty of performing a sexual act without consent by a Norwegian court and was given a six-month prison sentence.
On Tuesday afternoon, March 10, the verdict against 19-year-old Molde FK player Daniel Daga was handed down. The Nigerian football player was also ordered by the court to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal fees.
According to Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 Norway, the decision was in line with the punishment that the prosecution had asked for.
According to Astrid Bolstad, Daga’s attorney, the player was taken aback by the ruling and maintains that he did nothing wrong.
The verdict has caused him great distress. Bolstad told TV 2, “He thinks he is innocent and that everything happened with consent.”
The midfield player intends to appeal the decision, she confirmed.
“The decision is not yet legally enforceable. Bolstad stated that Daga has been training regularly in recent weeks and that he should be treated like everyone else until the issue is resolved.
Molde acknowledged that the player will not be chosen for games while the legal process is ongoing and characterized the situation as challenging in a statement released later on Tuesday.
For all parties concerned, this is an extremely challenging situation. Molde Football Club stated, “As an employer, we have a duty to care for our employees in a responsible manner while also having great respect for the seriousness of the case and the burden it places on all affected parties.”
“The club has determined that the player will not be included in the matchday squad until further notice due to the circumstances and the ongoing legal process.”
According to Naija News, Molde had declared in December that Daga would temporarily refrain from practices and games while the legal matter was being handled.
The midfield player made 15 appearances and scored three goals after joining the Norwegian team prior to the 2025 campaign.
Daga played for Enyimba FC in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) prior to moving to Europe. He had previously played for FC One Rocket and Dakkada FC.
He was the youngest player listed in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and played for the country’s under-20 football team.
Daga received recognition for his performances during the tournament and started every game for Nigeria until the squad was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the South Korean national under-20 football team.
