Three years ago, Daniel Daga was Nigeria’s rising football star, but a rape allegation just months after his move to Europe threatened to derail his career—and now his emphatic return, marked by an emotional goal against KFUM
In March 2026, a Norwegian district court convicted Daga and sentenced him to six months in prison for a sexual act without consent. Daga maintained his innocence, with his lawyer arguing the encounter was consensual, and an appeal was filed. Molde kept him out of the squad while the legal process continued.
The case took a decisive turn in July. Norway’s Frostating Court of Appeal unanimously acquitted Daga, overturning the earlier conviction. Molde subsequently confirmed that the midfielder was again available for selection. From suspension to a fresh start.
Daga’s return has been emphatic. He marked his comeback against KFUM with an emotional goal, then scored again against Sarpsborg — a powerful reminder of his ability after an extremely challenging period. The focus is now back where he wants it: on the pitch.
When news first filtered out of Norway, the reaction back home was instant and brutal. Social media buried him. Pundits wrote him off. For a boy who was the face of Enyimba at 16, it felt like the dream was over before it truly began.
Daga was not just another export. He was the NPFL’s proof that local football could still produce world-class midfielders. Composed, strong, and tactically smart beyond his years, he captained the Flying Eagles and bossed games for Enyimba as a teenager. Europe came calling because he looked ready.
Then came the case. The details were messy, the headlines were louder, and the process was slow. Whether guilty or not, the stain stuck. Contracts were paused. Confidence dipped. For months, the player who once played like he had nothing to lose looked like a boy who had everything to lose.
But here is the truth we rarely say in football: a man does not fall forever. Sometimes the fall is what teaches you how to stand properly. Daga is out of that process now and learning to pick his steps again. That is why people are talking about a “second coming.” His return to the pitch is the best thing that happened to Nigerian football in the month of July.
To understand why this matters and gives me so much joy you have to look back. Nigerian football has seen this movie before. Talent derailed not by injury, but by off-field trouble. The first name that comes to mind is Etim Esin.
Etim “Maradona” Esin was arguably the most gifted Nigerian midfielder of the late 80s and 90s. At 18 he was in the Flying Eagles, Olympic team and Super Eagles. He was the darling of the local league before he was scouted to Belgium, with technique that made defenders look foolish. Everyone said he would be our greatest ever.
Before we could blink, he was arrested and charged in connection with a rape case involving a minor. He spent time in detention before being released. Legally, the case ended. Professionally, it never did. While he was away trying to sort himself out, Friday Ekpo and then Jay Okocha emerged.
