Daniel Daga has won his appeal against a six-month prison sentence for committing a sexual act without consent after the Frostating Court of Appeal in Norway unanimously acquitted the Nigerian midfielder, paving the way for his return to competitive action with Molde.
Molde announced the development in a club statement released on Thursday, revealing that the 19-year-old is once again available for selection, although the court’s ruling is not yet legally final.
“We have today received information about the Court of Appeal’s ruling. This has been a demanding period for everyone involved, and we want to approach it with respect and consideration for everyone who has been affected,” Molde chief executive Vegard Storvik said in the club’s statement.
Daga had been sentenced in March by the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court to six months in prison after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent. The court also ordered him to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner (approximately ₦1.39 million) in legal costs.
More Read
Following that judgment, the Nigerian midfielder, through his defence lawyer, immediately lodged an appeal, maintaining his innocence.
The ongoing legal process saw Daga sidelined from first-team duties, with his last appearance for Molde coming on September 24, 2025. The Court of Appeal’s unanimous acquittal now clears the way for the teenager to resume his playing career with the Norwegian outfit.
Daga joined Molde in January 2025 and has featured in the Norwegian Eliteserien, Norwegian Football Cup, and the UEFA Conference League during his time at the club.
On the international stage, the Flying Eagles midfielder represented Nigeria at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where the team exited the tournament in the Round of 16 following a defeat to Argentina.
Molde have not indicated when Daga will make his return to match action, but Thursday’s ruling marks a significant development in the player’s career after months away from competitive football.
