Just weeks after Daniel Daga was cleared by Norway’s Court of Appeal and reinstated by Molde, the Nigerian midfielder completed a remarkable comeback on Sunday, scoring his first goal of the season in the club’s 4-2 Norwegian Eliteserien victory away to KFUM Oslo.
The 19-year-old struck five minutes before half time to level the score at 1-1 before Molde went on to claim an impressive away win that lifted them to fifth place in the league standings with 23 points.
But while the equalizing goal itself was important, the celebration that followed was really emotional.
As Daga wheeled away in celebration, his Molde teammates rushed towards him in the corner. Several embraced him tightly, while others kissed him on the head in an emotional show of support after the difficult months he had endured away from football.
The young midfielder then dropped to his knees, lowered his head and remained motionless for a few moments before rising again an image that captured the weight of everything he had overcome.
It was a celebration that felt less like marking a goal and more like celebrating redemption.
READMORE: Molde confirm Daniel Daga’s acquittal as Flying Eagles star cleared in sexual assault appeal
In March 2026, the former Flying Eagles midfielder was convicted by a district court in Norway and handed a six-month prison sentence after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent. The conviction led Molde to suspend him indefinitely from first team activities.
However, Daga consistently maintained his innocence and appealed the verdict.
Earlier this month, the Frostating Court of Appeal unanimously overturned the conviction, acquitting the Nigerian of all charges.
Molde subsequently confirmed the verdict and announced that the midfielder was once again available for selection, describing him as free to return to football even though the judgment was yet to become legally final.
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Sunday’s goal was his first in two league appearances since returning to action and provided a fitting response to months of uncertainty.
