Molde Excludes Nigeria U20 Captain Daniel Daga Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Norwegian football club Molde FK has taken the significant step of excluding Nigeria Under-20 national team captain Daniel Daga from their winter training camp squad. This decision comes as the young midfielder faces formal sexual assault charges under Norwegian law, with legal proceedings now moving toward a court hearing scheduled for March 2026.
Club Suspension and Squad Exclusion Confirmed
Molde has confirmed that the 19-year-old Nigerian player has been suspended from all first-team activities and will not participate in their pre-season preparations in La Nucia, Spain. The club is proceeding with a 27-man squad for their winter camp, deliberately omitting Daga as the legal case progresses through the Norwegian judicial system.
Molde chairman Odd Ivar Moen addressed the difficult situation, stating, "This is a serious matter, and we take the charges very seriously. These types of cases are extremely demanding for everyone involved." The club has maintained communication with both the complainant and her legal representatives throughout the investigation, acknowledging the personal and emotional strain associated with such allegations.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Norwegian authorities have formally charged Daniel Daga with committing a sexual act without consent under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code. The alleged incident was reportedly brought to police attention in late April 2025, initiating an investigation that has now resulted in formal charges.
The case is expected to be heard at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court in March 2026. Legal aid lawyer Anette Western Torgersen, representing the complainant, has described the situation as carrying "a great burden for the victim" while declining to discuss specific case details publicly.
Daga's Career and Response
Daniel Daga, who captained Nigeria's Flying Eagles at the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, joined Molde from Nigerian side FC One Rocket approximately one year ago. The midfielder was viewed as a long-term development project for the Norwegian club but has made only one competitive appearance this season, featuring in an NM Cup defeat to Strømsgodset in September 2025.
Daga's legal team has strongly denied the allegations against him. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, stated, "My client does not plead guilty and believes he has done nothing illegal. There is no suspicion of violence or threats. He looks forward to having the case heard in court so he can clear his name." Bolstad confirmed that while Daga acknowledges a sexual encounter occurred, he maintains it was consensual.
Current Status and Broader Context
The Nigerian midfielder is currently in Nigeria on holiday and is expected to return to Norway ahead of the scheduled court hearing. Both Molde and Daga have reportedly cooperated fully with police throughout the investigation process.
This development casts uncertainty over the promising career of a player who recently led Nigeria's youth national team on the global stage. The situation echoes other high-profile cases in football, including that of Brazilian forward Robinho, whose sexual offense conviction was recently upheld by Brazilian judges, resulting in a nine-year prison sentence to be served in Brazil due to the country's policy against extraditing its citizens.
Molde's decision to exclude Daga from their winter camp preparations underscores the seriousness with which the club is treating the allegations while reflecting the professional uncertainty now surrounding the young Nigerian international's football future.
