Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga has been sentenced to six months in prison after a Norwegian court found him guilty of committing a sexual act without consent.
The verdict was delivered on March 10, 2026, by the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court, following a trial that stemmed from charges filed in December 2025.
In addition to the prison sentence, the 19-year-old footballer was ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian krone (approximately ₦1.45 million) in legal costs.
Player to Appeal the Ruling
Daga’s legal team has confirmed that the midfielder plans to appeal the decision, which could potentially prevent him from serving jail time if the appeal is successful.
Until the legal process is concluded, his club, Molde FK, has announced that the player will not be included in the team’s matchday squad.
The club has not provided further details regarding his long-term status but indicated it will continue monitoring developments in the case.
Incident Reported in April 2025
The case originated from an incident reported to Norwegian police in late April 2025.
Prosecutors charged Daga under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code, which covers non-consensual sexual acts.
During the trial, the Nigerian midfielder pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the encounter in question had been consensual.
Following the charges in 2025, both Molde FK and the Nigeria Football Federation suspended the player indefinitely from football-related activities pending the outcome of the case.
A Rising Career Faces Uncertainty
Before the legal controversy, Daga was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising young football talents.
The midfielder previously captained the Nigeria U-20 national football team, popularly known as the Flying Eagles, and had begun attracting attention in European football.
However, the court ruling now places his future in professional football in serious doubt as the legal process continues.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
The verdict has sparked mixed reactions among fans and commentators on social media.
While some supporters expressed shock and called for leniency toward the young player, others emphasized the importance of accountability and respect for legal processes in cases involving serious allegations.
Appeal Process Ahead
The appeal process is expected to unfold in the coming weeks. Until then, Daga remains suspended from competitive football, with both his club and national federation awaiting further developments.
The case highlights the serious legal and professional consequences that sexual misconduct allegations can carry within the world of professional sports.
