Nigerian youth international and Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent.
The 19-year-old footballer, who currently plays for Norwegian top-flight club Molde FK, was convicted on Tuesday. The court also ordered him to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner as part of the legal costs related to the case.
According to reports from Norwegian broadcaster TV 2, the case originated from an incident that was reported to the police in late April 2025. Following investigations, Daga was charged under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code, which addresses sexual acts carried out without consent.
During the court proceedings, prosecutors asked the court to impose a six-month custodial sentence. After reviewing the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, the court upheld the request and handed down the six-month prison term.
Details about the circumstances surrounding the incident have remained limited in public reports.
Daga’s legal representative, Astrid Bolstad, said the midfielder was deeply disappointed by the ruling and insists the encounter was consensual. She added that the judgment is not yet final and that the player intends to challenge the verdict through an appeal.
“He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad said in comments to TV 2.
She further stressed that the verdict is not legally binding at this stage, noting that the legal process is still ongoing. According to her, Daga should continue to be treated fairly until the case reaches its final conclusion.
Bolstad also revealed that the player had continued to train normally in recent weeks while awaiting the court’s decision.
In response to the development, Molde FK released a statement describing the situation as challenging for everyone involved. The club confirmed that Daga will not be included in the team’s matchday squad until further notice.
Chairman of the club, Tarje Nordstrand Jacobsen, said the organisation is handling the matter with seriousness while also ensuring that all parties are treated responsibly.
“This is a very demanding matter for all involved,” Jacobsen said. “As an employer, Molde Football Club has a responsibility to look after our employees in a responsible manner, while at the same time having great respect for the seriousness of the matter and the burdens this entails for all parties concerned.”
The club added that the decision to exclude the player from the matchday squad will remain in place pending further developments in the legal process.
