Daga scores on Molde return

July 27, 2026 10:01 am

Daniel Daga marked his return to Molde’s starting line-up with a goal as the Norwegian side came from behind to beat KFUM Oslo 4-2 away on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Making his second appearance since being cleared on appeal in a rape case, the Nigerian midfielder scored Molde’s equaliser in the 40th minute after the visitors had fallen behind inside the opening minute.

Daga reacted quickest to fire home a rebound and restore parity before Emil Breivik put Molde ahead shortly after the restart. KFUM Oslo responded almost immediately to level the score, but late strikes from Martin Linnes and Samukele Kabini sealed all three points for Molde in stoppage time.

It was Daga’s second start since the club lifted the suspension imposed during the legal proceedings. The 19-year-old was acquitted earlier this month by Norway’s Frostating Court of Appeal, overturning his conviction from March.

In March 2026, Daga was sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent. The incident was alleged to have occurred in April 2025, while he was formally charged in December 2025.

Following the conviction, Molde suspended him indefinitely from first-team selection. However, after the Court of Appeal overturned the verdict, the club reinstated the midfielder.

“Daniel Daga is unanimously acquitted in the criminal case that has been dealt with by the Frostating Court of Appeal. Molde FK takes note of the verdict, although the judgment is not yet legally binding,” the club said in a statement.

“The club recognises that this has been a serious and burdensome case for everyone who has been affected.

“Since the indictment was filed, Molde FK has made ongoing assessments based on the situation and the club’s responsibilities as an employer. Now that the Court of Appeal’s judgment has been delivered and Daniel Daga has been acquitted, we consider the employment situation to be clarified, and Daniel will be available for selection for Molde FK going forward.”

Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, had maintained the player’s innocence following the initial conviction and subsequently lodged the successful appeal.

The former Flying Eagles midfielder joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season and has now made 14 appearances for the Norwegian club, scoring three goals.

Abiodun Adewale

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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