Norwegian Court Sentences Nigerian U-20 Player to Prison Over Sexual Assault

Nigerian U-20 international 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 Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court delivered the verdict on Tuesday, also ordering Daga, a midfielder for Molde FK, to pay $1,050 in legal costs. The sentence aligns with the penalties sought by prosecutors. Daga represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said her client denies any wrongdoing and plans to appeal. “He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad told TV 2 Norway. She added that the verdict is not yet legally binding and that Daga should be treated like any other individual until the case is finalised.

Molde FK released a statement acknowledging the challenge of the situation and confirming the player’s suspension from team activities pending the appeal. “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 said. “Molde Football Club, as an employer, has a responsibility to take proper care of our employees, while respecting the seriousness of the case and the strain it places on all involved.”

Daga, 19, remains under suspension as legal proceedings continue.