December 22, 2025 | Sports | SUNTV Global Channel
Norwegian top-flight club Molde Fotballklubb has suspended Nigerian midfielder and former Flying Eagles player, Daniel Daga, following his formal indictment on a sexual assault charge in Norway.
Daga, who is 18 years old, has been accused of committing a sexual act without consent, an offence under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code. According to Molde FK, the alleged incident was first reported to Norwegian police in late April 2025, triggering a months-long investigation.
In an official statement released on Friday, Molde FK confirmed that the case will proceed to trial in March 2026 at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court. The club stated that both the player and the club have fully cooperated with law enforcement authorities throughout the investigation.
Following notification of the indictment, Molde announced that Daga has been suspended from all training sessions and match-related activities for the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of the legal process.
Before his suspension, the Nigerian midfielder last featured for Molde on November 24, playing in a 2-1 away victory against Strømsgodset. During the 2025 season, Daga made 15 appearances across all competitions, scoring two league goals.
Daga joined Molde FK in January 2025 from Nigerian club FC ONE Rocket, signing a three-year contract. He has also represented Nigeria at youth level, featuring for the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in October, where the team exited the tournament after a 4-0 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16.
After the conclusion of the season, Molde FK disclosed that the player returned to Nigeria for a scheduled holiday, adding that arrangements are already in place for his return to Norway ahead of the court hearings.
Reacting to the development, Molde FK chairman Odd Ivar Moen described the situation as serious and deeply concerning.
“This is a matter of a grave nature, and we view the indictment with the utmost seriousness,” Moen said. “We have previously experienced how demanding cases like this can be—for the individuals involved, for the club, and for the wider community.”
Moen also revealed that the club has been in contact with the complainant’s legal representatives, acknowledging the strain the case has placed on all parties involved.
“We want to act respectfully and help facilitate a fair and proper legal process,” he added.
However, Daga’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, confirmed that a sexual encounter occurred but maintained that it was consensual.
“My client does not plead guilty and firmly believes he has done nothing illegal,” Bolstad said. “There is no allegation of violence or threats. He looks forward to having the matter heard in court so he can clear his name.”
Bolstad further noted that Daga was surprised by the decision to bring formal charges and that the situation has had a significant emotional impact on the young footballer.
The case is expected to draw widespread attention both in Norway and Nigeria as legal proceedings unfold in the coming months.
