Daniel Daga’s promising football career is beginning to regain momentum after the Nigerian midfielder was acquitted by a Norwegian appeal court and returned to competitive football.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who rose to prominence with Enyimba and Nigeria’s youth national teams, endured a difficult period after being charged in Norway over an alleged sexual offence.
Daga was convicted by a Norwegian district court in March 2026 and sentenced to six months in prison. He maintained his innocence and appealed the decision.
In July, the Frostating Court of Appeal unanimously overturned the conviction and acquitted him. Following the ruling, Molde FK confirmed that Daga was once again available for selection.
His return to football has already attracted attention. Daga scored in his comeback match against KFUM before finding the net again against Sarpsborg, providing an encouraging start to his return.
Daga had emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising young midfielders before moving to Europe. As a teenager, he established himself at Enyimba and represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2023 and 2025.
His performances earned him a move to Norwegian club Molde, where expectations were high for a player regarded as one of the brightest products of Nigerian domestic football.
The legal case, however, abruptly interrupted his progress.
For months, Daga remained away from training and competitive football as the legal process continued. The situation also generated widespread discussion on social media and raised concerns about the effect the case could have on his young career.
His acquittal has now given him an opportunity to rebuild his career on the pitch.
Daga’s story also highlights the vulnerability of young African footballers who move to Europe at an early age. Beyond their football ability, players must adapt to unfamiliar legal systems, cultures, media environments and professional expectations.
For Daga, the priority is now football.
At 20, he still has considerable time to develop his career and potentially become an important player for Nigeria’s senior national team. His performances for Molde could also put him in contention for future Olympic and World Cup plans.
His experience is a reminder that promising careers can face unexpected setbacks, but a difficult chapter does not necessarily have to define an athlete’s entire journey.
Daga now has another opportunity to establish himself in European football. The challenge will be maintaining his focus, consistency and professionalism as he attempts to turn his return into a sustained comeback.
For Nigerian football, his return represents another opportunity to watch a highly rated young midfielder continue the journey that began at Enyimba.
The next chapter of Daniel Daga’s career will be decided on the football pitch.
