Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court after being found guilty of sexual activity without consent.
The 19-year-old, who plays for Norwegian club Molde FK, was convicted on Tuesday and ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal fees, TV 2 Norway reported.
The case began after an incident was reported to Norwegian police in late April 2025. Daga was charged under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code, which covers sexual acts without consent.
During the trial, prosecutors asked for a six-month prison sentence, which the court approved. Few details about the incident have been made public.
Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the player is disappointed with the verdict and insists the encounter was consensual. She added that the ruling is not final and that Daga plans to appeal.
“He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad told TV 2.
“The verdict is not legally binding yet. He should be treated like anyone else until the case is finalised,” she added, noting that Daga has been training normally in recent weeks.
Molde FK released a statement on Tuesday, calling the situation difficult and confirming that Daga will not be part of the club’s matchday squad for now.
The club chairman, Tarje Nordstrand Jacobsen, said: “This is a very demanding matter for all involved. 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 for the burdens this entails for all parties concerned.
“Based on the situation and the ongoing legal process, the club has decided that the player will not be part of the match squad until further notice.
“Out of consideration for the further legal process and all parties involved, Molde FK is not commenting further on the case at this time.”
Earlier in December, the club had announced that Daga would be withdrawn from training and matches while the case continued.
Daga joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season and made 15 appearances, scoring three goals.
Internationally, he has played for Nigeria’s U-20 team and was the youngest player in the country’s squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
