Nigerian youth international and Molde FK midfielder, Daniel Daga, has been formally charged with a sexual conduct offence in Norway. The 18-year-old player, who represents Nigeria's Flying Eagles, has entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations.
Club Confirms Charges and Suspension
Molde FK confirmed the serious development in an official press release, stating that Daga has been withdrawn from all football-related activities. This suspension from training and matches is immediate and will remain in place for the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of the legal process.
The club's chairman, Odd Ivar Moen, addressed the gravity of the situation. He emphasized that the club takes the charges very seriously and acknowledged the demanding nature of such cases for everyone involved, including the club and the affected parties.
Daga's Cooperation and Legal Stance
According to Molde, Daniel Daga has fully cooperated with police investigations since the case was first reported in late April 2025. He has participated in all interrogations conducted by the authorities.
Following discussions with his club, the young midfielder has temporarily returned to Nigeria. However, he is expected to travel back to Norway ahead of the court proceedings, which are scheduled for March in the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court.
Daga's legal representative, lawyer Astrid Bolstad, has publicly stated her client's position. While Daga acknowledges a sexual encounter took place, he maintains it was consensual and denies any criminal wrongdoing. Bolstad also clarified that there is no suspicion of violence or threats connected to the case.
Career Impact and Club's Position
This charge presents a significant disruption to Daga's budding career in European football. He joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season and made 18 appearances for the club across the Norwegian league and the Europa Conference League.
Internationally, he was part of the Nigerian Flying Eagles squad at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the second round following a 4–0 defeat to Argentina.
Molde FK has stated it has been in contact with the legal counsel of the woman involved to acknowledge the burden of the case. The club has reiterated it will make no further comments while the legal process is ongoing.
