Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga has revealed the emotions behind his tearful goal celebration during Molde’s dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over KFUM Oslo, describing the strike as a defining moment after months away from competitive football.
The 19-year-old was overcome with emotion after scoring Molde’s equaliser in the 40th minute of Sunday’s Norwegian Eliteserien clash, collapsing to the turf before covering his face with his jersey in a celebration that drew applause from teammates and supporters.
“It’s been a long time since I played. It was a big moment for me. I’m grateful to God; it was a very emotional moment for me,” Daga said after the match.
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The goal marked Daga’s second start since returning to Molde’s first team after he was acquitted on appeal and reinstated by the Norwegian club.
Molde had suspended the former Flying Eagles midfielder following the initial verdict but restored him to the squad after the appeal court cleared him.
In a statement confirming his return, the club said Daga had been acquitted and was once again available for selection.
On the field, Daga made an immediate impact.
After KFUM Oslo stunned the hosts with an opening-minute goal, the Nigerian reacted quickest to convert a rebound after a teammate’s effort crashed against the crossbar, restoring parity before halftime.
Molde carried that momentum into the second half as Emil Breivik gave the home side the lead. Although KFUM fought back to level the score, late goals from Martin Linnes and Samukele Kabini secured all three points.
Beyond the result, Daga’s performance was widely viewed as a significant personal milestone after a difficult period that interrupted the early stages of his European career.
The midfielder joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season after establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents. He previously starred for the Flying Eagles before making the move to Norway.
Sunday’s goal was his third in 14 appearances for Molde across all competitions and could mark the beginning of a fresh chapter as the club looks to build momentum in the Norwegian top flight.
For Daga, the occasion meant far more than statistics, with his emotional celebration reflecting months of uncertainty and a long-awaited return to competitive football.
