Nigerian U-20 international Daniel Daga has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by a Norwegian court after he was found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent.

According to TV 2 Norway, the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court delivered the verdict against the Molde FK midfielder during a hearing on Tuesday. He was also ordered to pay $1,050 in legal costs.

Reports noted that the six-month prison term and the fine were in accordance with the penalties sought by the prosecutors against Daga. The player represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, rejected the judgment, stating that her client, who has denied any wrongdoing, was extremely disappointed with the outcome.

She also noted that the 19-year-old intends to challenge the outcome.

“He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Ms Bolstad told TV 2. “The verdict is not legally binding yet. He should be treated like anyone else until the case is finalised.”

In a statement released by Molde FK after the verdict, the club said the situation had been difficult for everyone, adding that officials are monitoring the case following the player’s announcement of intent to 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 stated. “This is a very demanding case for everyone involved. Molde Football Club, as an employer, has a responsibility to take proper care of our employees, while at the same time we have great respect for the seriousness of the case and the strain it places on all affected parties.”

Molde FK club added that Daga would remain suspended from the team pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.