Former Nigeria U20 captain Daniel Daga has been unanimously acquitted of sexual assault by Norway’s Frostating Court of Appeal, clearing the way for the highly rated midfielder to resume his career with Molde FK after nearly a year on the sidelines.
The verdict, delivered on July 2, 2026, overturns an earlier ruling by the Romsdal District Court in March, which had convicted the 19-year-old and sentenced him to six months‘ imprisonment. Following that initial verdict, Molde suspended Daga indefinitely pending the outcome of the appeal.
Appeal Court Overturns Earlier Conviction
The case stemmed from a sexual encounter in which Daga consistently denied any wrongdoing. Throughout the legal proceedings, the Nigerian midfielder and his legal team maintained that there had been no violence, threats, or absence of consent.
His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, had previously expressed confidence in the appeal process, stating that Daga looked forward to clearing his name before the court.
The unanimous decision by the Frostating Court of Appeal now overturns the earlier conviction, representing a significant legal victory for the former Flying Eagles captain.
Molde Confirm Daga’s Availability
Following the court’s ruling, Molde FK released an official statement acknowledging the outcome of the appeal.
“Daniel Daga has been unanimously acquitted in the criminal case that has been heard by the Frostating Court of Appeal,” the club stated.
Club chairman Odd Ivar Moen and CEO Vegard Storvik described the past year as “demanding for everyone involved” and emphasised the importance of treating all parties with respect as the matter reaches its conclusion.
Molde also confirmed that Daga is once again available for selection, although the club noted that the legal process has not yet been fully concluded as the verdict is not yet final.
Career Back on Track
Daga joined Molde as one of Nigeria’s brightest young midfield prospects and had been tipped for a promising future in the Norwegian Eliteserien before the legal proceedings interrupted his progress.
The suspension kept him out of competitive football for approximately 11 months, halting the development of a player widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most exciting young talents.
Before moving to Norway, Daga captained the Flying Eagles and was the youngest member of Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, earning widespread praise for his composure, leadership, and technical ability in midfield.
Fresh Opportunity Ahead
With the appeal court clearing his name, attention now shifts back to football as Daga prepares to rebuild his career at Molde.
The young midfielder will be aiming to regain match fitness, earn regular playing time, and continue the development that made him one of Nigeria’s standout youth internationals.
For Daga, the acquittal marks the end of a difficult chapter and offers an opportunity to focus fully on his football once again, with both Molde supporters and Nigerian fans hoping to see the talented midfielder return to the form that first established him as one of the country’s brightest prospects.
