Lawal Reacts to Daga’s 6-.onth Sentence In Norway

Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has expressed deep disappointment over the conviction of young Nigerian footballer Daniel Daga, who was sentenced to six months in prison for sexual assault in Norway.

Daga, a 19-year-old midfielder for Molde FK, was found guilty of assaulting an unnamed woman in April 2024. He was formally charged on December 19, 2025, with the verdict delivered on Tuesday. Alongside the prison term, Daga was ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal costs, according to TV 2 Norway.

Reacting in an interview with Footy Africa, Lawal described the situation as heartbreaking and warned young players against romantic involvement with foreign women.

“I read the news this morning—six months in prison. Even one day in detention can damage your reputation forever,” Lawal said. “Which European club will want to sign him now? Back home in Nigeria, people will see him as irresponsible. It’s so unfortunate. I weep for the next generation of players.”

Lawal stressed the importance of discipline and awareness when playing abroad. “You’re in their country, and they hold the law. Anything a girl says, they’ll believe it because you’re a foreigner. I never chased white women because I knew the risks. If it’s about women, why go to Europe? We have beautiful women in Nigeria.”

He also questioned Daga’s judgment, noting his prior exposure with the Nigeria U-20 team. “He was with the U-20 team in Argentina. I was there. After all that exposure, how do you lose focus and make such a mistake? The club might fight for him, maybe reduce the sentence, but his integrity is already damaged. That can’t be restored.”