Omotayo Fashola
Nigerian youth international Daniel Daga has been given a six-month jail term by a Norwegian court after being convicted of non-consensual s£xual conduct, sparking controversy in football circles.
The 19-year-old Molde FK midfielder was found guilty on Tuesday and fined 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal fees, according to Norwegian broadcaster TV 2.
The charges followed an April 2025 police report, with prosecutors citing violations under Norway’s Penal Code Section 297 regarding unlawful s£xual acts.
While maintaining the encounter was consensual, Daga’s defense team confirmed plans to appeal the sentence following the unfavorable ruling.
The footballer’s representative, Astrid Bolstad, expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict:
“Daniel maintains his innocence and insists mutual consent was present throughout. He’s profoundly distressed by this outcome,” Bolstad stated.
“The legal process remains ongoing. Until final resolution, he should retain his presumption of innocence,” she added, noting Daga had continued regular training sessions.
Molde FK issued a club statement confirming Daga’s immediate suspension from competitive fixtures, describing the situation as “extremely challenging for all involved.”
Club Chairman Tarje Nordstrand Jacobsen emphasized the organization’s dual responsibilities:
“As employers, we must balance employee welfare with recognition of this serious matter’s gravity and its impact on everyone connected.”
The Norwegian outfit had previously sidelined Daga during initial investigations in December before reinstating him pending trial.
Since joining Molde at the start of 2025, the rising star has made 15Confirmations and netted three goals for the Eliteserien club.
Internationally, Daga represented Nigeria at youth levels, becoming the youngest squad member selected for the 2023 U-20 World Cup campaign.
