Molde's Nigeria U20 international Daniel Daga has been convicted of committing a sexual act against a person who did not consent to it, and has been sentenced to six months in prison, according to Norwegian television TV 2.

The verdict was delivered by the Nordmøre og Romsdal District Court, which found the midfielder guilty of the offence on Tuesday afternoon.

In addition to receiving a six-month prison sentence, Daga has been ordered to cover NOK 10,000 in legal costs, approximately N1.45 million in Nigerian currency.

Daga's lawyer Astrid Bolstad said the Nigerian will appeal the verdict, maintaining that the player is innocent and that the encounter was consensual.

"He is terribly sorry that the verdict was the way it was. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent, " Astrid Bolstad told TV 2.

"He will appeal the verdict.  The verdict is not final. He will be treated like everyone else until he is sentenced."

Molde announced in a statement on Tuesday evening that they are aware of the verdict and the player will not play matches for the time being.

"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."

Daga joined Molde in January 2025 and has appeared in seventeen matches for the five-time Norwegian champions, scoring three goals. 

The 19-year-old represented the Flying Eagles at the 2023 and 2025 Fifa U20 World Cups.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel