A court in Norway has sentenced Nigerian U-20 international Daniel Daga to six months in prison after finding him guilty of committing a sexual act without consent.
According to reports by Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 Norway, the verdict was delivered on Tuesday by the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court following a hearing involving the midfielder who plays for Molde FK.
In addition to the prison term, the court ordered the 19-year-old footballer to pay $1,050 in legal costs.
Reports indicated that both the six-month custodial sentence and the fine were in line with the penalties sought by prosecutors in the case.
Daga, who rose to prominence after representing Nigeria U‑20 national football team at the 2023 FIFA U‑20 World Cup, has consistently denied the allegations.
Reacting to the ruling, Daga’s lawyer Astrid Bolstad rejected the judgment and said the player intends to appeal.
“He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Ms Bolstad told TV 2. “The verdict is not legally binding yet. He should be treated like anyone else until the case is finalised.”
In a statement issued after the ruling, Molde FK said the case had been difficult for everyone involved and confirmed that the player would remain suspended while the legal process continues.
“The player, through his defence lawyer, has announced that he will appeal the verdict. The case is therefore not legally final and will continue to be processed in the legal system,” the club stated.
The club added:
“This is a very demanding case for everyone involved. Molde Football Club, as an employer, has a responsibility to take proper care of our employees, while at the same time we have great respect for the seriousness of the case and the strain it places on all affected parties.”
Molde FK confirmed that Daga will remain suspended from team activities pending the outcome of the appeal process.
