By Our Correspondent

National News – Rivers United coach Yemi Olanrewaju has voiced his support for Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga after the young star was sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court over a sexual assault charge.

Daga, 19, who currently plays for Molde FK, was also ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal costs.

His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, confirmed that the verdict will be appealed and is not yet legally binding.

Daga, a former Flying Eagles captain, expressed shock at the ruling, maintaining that the incident was consensual.

Molde FK immediately suspended him from all training and match activities, describing the situation as “very difficult for everyone involved.”

Coach Olanrewaju, popularly known as Coach Yema, who previously worked with Daga at Enyimba in 2024, took to social media to reassure the midfielder.

He emphasized loyalty and offered words of encouragement, stating: “If the whole world judges and turns against you, I, Yema, won’t.

Mistakes are part of being human. This is a bitter lesson to make you stronger and better.”

The coach also addressed critics who argued that supporting Daga condoned misconduct, insisting that everyone is fallible and deserving of support during trials.

“You have never made a mistake in your life? We are all humans and vulnerable,” he wrote.

Daga, who joined Molde FK ahead of the 2025 season, has made 15 appearances for the Norwegian club, scoring three goals.

He previously played for Enyimba, FC One Rocket, and Dakkada FC in Nigeria.

At the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he was a key performer for Nigeria’s under-20 side, starting every match before elimination by South Korea in the quarter-finals.

The ongoing case remains under appeal, and both Olanrewaju and Daga hope for a fair resolution that will allow the young midfielder to continue his promising career in football.