By Adedapo Adesanya

A court of appeal in Norway has acquitted Daniel Daga, former Flying Eagles star, of sexual assault charges.

Molde FK, Daga’s club, announced the Frostating court of appeal’s verdict in a statement on Thursday.

In March, Daga was sentenced to a six-month jail term for an alleged sexual assault on an unnamed woman.

The incident was reported to have happened in April 2025, while the 19-year-old footballer was charged on December 19.

Following the conviction, Daga was sidelined from selection at Molde FK indefinitely.

However, with the latest appeal court ruling, the club revealed that Daga “will be available to play for Molde FK in the future”.

“Daniel Daga has been unanimously acquitted in the criminal case that has been heard by the Frostating Court of Appeal. Molde FK takes note of the verdict, even though the verdict is not yet final,” the club statement reads.

“The club recognises that this has been a serious and stressful matter for everyone affected.

“Since the indictment was filed, Molde FK has made ongoing assessments based on the situation and the club’s responsibility as an employer.”

Daga, who plays as a midfielder for Nigeria’s under-20 national football team, joined the Norwegian top-flight team at the start of the 2025 season and has since made 15 appearances, scoring 3 goals for the Norwegian club.

In May 2023, he was the youngest player selected in the Nigeria squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He started all of Nigeria’s games until they were knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals by South Korea U-20.

The World Cup group stage is approaching its conclusion, with qualification places, group winners and knockout-stage positions still on the line. While teams such as Brazil, Mexico, Morocco and Switzerland have already secured their places in the Round of 32, many others enter the final round knowing their World Cup future will be decided over the next few days. With every match live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv,the tournament is entering its most decisive phase.

Africa’s Qualification Push Continues

Africa’s campaign has produced both success stories and disappointments. Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast have already secured qualification, while Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde and Algeria remain firmly in contention heading into the final round.

Cape Verde continue their remarkable campaign against Saudi Arabia on Saturday, 27 June at 1:00 am, while Egypt meet Iran later that morning at 4:00 am.

Ghana’s meeting with Croatia on Saturday, 27 June at 10:00 pm could prove decisive in Group L, while Algeria face Austria on Sunday, 28 June at 3:00 am in what is effectively a winner-takes-all battle for a place in the knockout rounds.

Not every African nation will make it through. Senegal, Tunisia and DR Congo have already been eliminated, but the continent still has an opportunity to increase its representation in the Round of 32.

Messi Leads the Golden Boot Race

Two rounds into the tournament, Lionel Messi remains the story of the World Cup. The Argentine captain has scored five goals in two matches, helping Argentina secure qualification with a game to spare and establishing himself as the early favourite for the Golden Boot.

The chasing pack, however, continues to grow. Vinícius Júnior has four goals for Brazil, while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have also reached four goals. Cristiano Ronaldo has entered the race after scoring a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, while the final group games offer another opportunity for the tournament’s biggest stars to build momentum before the knockout rounds begin.

France and Norway Meet for Group Supremacy

While several teams are fighting for survival, France and Norway have already secured qualification. Their meeting on Friday, 26 June at 8:00 pm will determine top spot in Group I.

The fixture also brings together two of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking teams. Mbappé and Haaland both have four goals, while France and Norway have won their opening two matches. It is arguably the biggest remaining fixture of the group stage and could provide an early indication of which side is capable of making a deep run in the knockout rounds.

Portugal and Argentina Chase Momentum

Germany have already confirmed top spot in Group E despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, while Portugal and Colombia meet on Sunday, 28 June at 12:30 am to decide the Group K winners. Argentina conclude their group campaign against Jordan later that morning at 3:00 am, with Lionel Messi looking to extend his lead in the Golden Boot race.

Brazil have already finished top of Group C, while Spain can secure first place in Group H when they face Uruguay on Saturday, 27 June at 1:00 am.

Additional Fixtures to Watch

With Groups D, E and F now decided, attention shifts to the remaining qualification battles. Belgium face New Zealand on Saturday, 27 June at 4:00 am in a crucial Group G encounter, while Uruguay meet Spain and Cape Verde take on Saudi Arabia at 1:00 am.

Saturday evening concludes with Ghana vs Croatia and England vs Panama, both kicking off at 10:00 pm, before Sunday’s final group fixtures feature Colombia vs Portugal and DR Congo vs Uzbekistan at 12:30 am, followed by Algeria vs Austria and Jordan vs Argentina at 3:00 am.

SuperSport Remains the Home of the World Cup

As the knockout picture takes shape, fans can follow every remaining group-stage fixture live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv. With simultaneous kick-offs now determining qualification outcomes, coverage will be available across SS World Cup Central (DStv Ch. 202, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS World Cup Extra (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

Viewers can still start each day with The Morning Cup featuring Basketmouth and Phat Joe, before catching every goal, result and qualification twist live across SuperSport’s FIFA World Cup coverage. For fans on the move, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream ensure every moment remains within reach.

Africa’s betting numbers were large by 2025, with sports betting getting to $3.08bn, with the total gambling revenue estimated at roughly $17.63bn, according to Statista-based market data, with more than 440M Africans being linked to sports betting in 2025. The market is now driven by mobile betting, mobile money and live football, with the 2026 World Cup expected to increase match-day betting volumes.

Secretbet is among the platforms operating in different African markets. It sits in the middle of Africa’s phone-first betting habit.

How big is Africa’s online betting market in 2026?

The African online betting market size is already above $3bn for sports betting, and sports betting in Africa 2026 is being driven by football, mobile payments and live betting.

– In 2025, Africa’s sports-betting revenue stood at about $3.08bn, based on Statista market data.

– The continent’s full gambling sector was estimated at about $17.63bn in 2025, with growth projected at roughly 4.23% per year through 2029.

– allAfrica put the number of Africans linked to sports betting at more than 440M in 2025.

– GeoPoll’s 2025 survey shows about 91% of bettors placed bets through mobile phones.

– Other forecasts put online betting growth by 17% yearly between 2022 and 2027.

The numbers show how much betting has moved beyond physical betting shops. Most users now meet betting through a phone screen, especially during football fixtures, live matches and major tournaments. Live betting is also changing how people follow matches. Football keeps the activity moving every week. Domestic leagues, European competitions, AFCON fixtures and the 2026 World Cup all create regular betting moments for African users.

Which African countries are leading the betting boom?

Sports betting in Tanzania, betting in Ghana, online betting in Zambia and betting in Nigeria are among the strongest market topics because they combine football demand with mobile-first access. Each market has its own structure, but the pattern is similar: football creates demand, while mobile payments make betting easier to access.

Why is mobile money the engine of African betting?

Mobile money betting made online betting possible for users who do not rely on bank cards. M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Vodafone Cash and OPay are now central to betting deposits in Africa, especially as more than 91% of bettors place bets through mobile phones. This matters because many users already trust mobile wallets for daily payments. Mobile money also supports low-stake betting behaviour.

For operators, the payment flow is as important as the odds. A slow deposit process can stop a user before the betslip is confirmed. In this market, convenience is not a side feature; it is one of the main reasons users stay.

What is Secretbet?

Secretbet is an online betting and casino platform for sports betting, live odds and casino games. It is available across several African markets, including Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia, Egypt and Morocco. Players can find pre-match and live football markets, including games from the EPL, AFCON and the World Cup.

The platform fits the wider African betting pattern: one mobile-first account for sports markets, live odds, casino sections and local payment methods. For football bettors, the use is direct.

How do platforms like Secretbet serve African bettors?

Secretbet features are built around mobile access, football coverage, World Cup betting and live betting Africa demand. Platforms in this category serve users who want quick deposits, clear odds, live markets, cash-out options and withdrawals from one phone-based account.

– Mobile-optimised site.

– Mobile-money deposits and withdrawals.

– Football coverage, including the 2026 World Cup and AFCON.

– Live/in-play betting and cash-out.

– Localized markets and decimal odds.

– Option to bet on the 2026 World Cup through the sports line section when markets are available.

Mobile access matters because betting now sits beside other phone habits. World Cup betting will make this behaviour more visible in 2026. Live betting in Africa demand is also tied to how fans read football.

Is online betting legal in these African markets?

Yes, however, betting regulations are not the same across Africa, but several major markets have legal betting frameworks. Tanzania falls under the Gaming Board of Tanzania, Ghana under the Gaming Commission of Ghana, and Zambia under the Betting Control and Licensing Board.

For users asking is betting legal in Tanzania, they have a regulated gaming structure that covers licensed betting activity.

For users asking if betting is legal in Ghana, betting is allowed under the country’s gaming framework. The Gaming Commission of Ghana oversees betting and gaming activity, and the market is restricted to adults.

For users asking if betting is legal in Zambia, betting is allowed under the country’s betting control framework. Operators must meet local licensing requirements before serving players legally.

Morocco uses state-controlled sports betting, then Egypt applies tighter controls around unlicensed online betting.

Players should only use betting services that are legally available in their country. Betting is for adults aged 18+ and should be treated as paid entertainment, not a source of income.

What’s next for African online betting? (2026 trends)

Betting trends in Africa in 2026 will be shaped by live football, mobile payments, esports, tighter regulation and the World Cup. Football will still lead the market, but more users are also moving between live betting, casino products and newer digital formats.

– AI-powered odds and trading tools.

– Live streaming and faster in-play markets.

– Esports betting and crash-style games.

– Crypto payment experiments in selected markets.

– Higher 2026 World Cup betting volumes.

– Morocco’s AFCON 2025 and 2030 World Cup momentum.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is online betting legal in Africa?

Yes, in some African countries, however, the rules are not the same everywhere.

2. 
   What is the most popular sport to bet on in Africa?

Football is the most popular sport to bet on in Africa.

3. How do Africans deposit money to bet online?

Most bettors in Africa deposit money from their phones using mobile money. Deposit options differ from one African market to another. Options include : M-Pesa, MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, Tigo Pesa, Telecel Cash, Vodafone Cash, OPay – or just transfer directly from your bank.

4. Which platforms offer betting in Tanzania, Ghana and Zambia?

Betting platforms in Tanzania, Ghana and Zambia include 1xBet, Fansport, Secretbet and Paripesa, among others.

18+, bet responsibly.