Nigerian midfielder and former Flying Eagles player, Daniel Daga, has been suspended by Norwegian top flight club Molde Fotballklubb following his formal indictment on a sexual assault charge in Norway, a development that has cast a shadow over the promising career of the 18 year old footballer.
Molde FK confirmed the suspension in an official statement issued on Friday, disclosing that Daga has been charged with committing a sexual act without consent, an offence under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code. The club stated that the alleged incident was first reported to Norwegian police in late April 2025, triggering an investigation that has now resulted in formal charges.
According to the statement, legal proceedings in the case are expected to commence in March 2026 at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court. Pending the outcome of the trial, Molde FK announced that Daga has been barred from participating in all training sessions and match activities for the foreseeable future.
“The player has been indicted, and in light of this development, Daniel Daga will not take part in training or matches until further notice,” the club said. “Both the player and Molde FK have cooperated fully with Norwegian police throughout the investigation.”
The suspension represents a significant setback for the young midfielder, who has enjoyed regular playing time since joining Molde earlier in the year. Before his suspension, Daga last featured for the club on November 24 in a 2 1 away victory against Strømsgodset. He has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring two goals in the league and earning praise for his energy and versatility in midfield.
Daga joined Molde FK in January 2025 from Nigerian side FC ONE Rocket on a three year contract, marking his first professional move to Europe. The transfer was widely viewed as a major step forward for the highly rated youngster, who had previously impressed scouts with his performances at youth level.
Internationally, Daga has represented Nigeria at the under 20 level and was part of the Flying Eagles squad at the FIFA U 20 World Cup in October. It was his second appearance at the tournament, although Nigeria’s campaign ended in disappointment after a 4 0 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 football season in Norway, Molde FK disclosed that Daga returned to Nigeria for a scheduled holiday. The club, however, confirmed that arrangements have been made for his return to Norway ahead of the court hearings, as required under Norwegian law.
Reacting to the situation, Molde FK chairman, Odd Ivar Moen, described the matter as serious and emotionally challenging for all parties involved. He stressed that the club has a responsibility to handle the case with care, sensitivity, and respect for due process.
“This is a matter of a serious nature, and we view the indictment with the utmost seriousness,” Moen said. “We have previously experienced how demanding these types of cases are for everyone involved, for the club, and for our community.”
Moen added that the club has been in contact with the legal counsel representing the complainant, acknowledging the strain the situation has placed on those affected. He said Molde FK is committed to acting responsibly and ensuring that the legal process is allowed to run its full course without interference.
“We want to act respectfully and facilitate a fair process for those affected,” he said, adding that the club would refrain from further public comment until the court proceedings are concluded.
While the indictment has generated widespread attention in Norway and Nigeria, Daga’s legal team has firmly denied the allegations. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, confirmed that a sexual encounter did occur but insisted that it was consensual and involved no coercion, violence, or threats.
“My client does not plead guilty and believes he has done nothing illegal,” Bolstad said. “There is no suspicion of violence or threats in this case. Daniel Daga looks forward to having the matter heard in court so that he can clear his name.”
Bolstad further revealed that Daga was surprised by the decision of prosecutors to bring formal charges, noting that the situation has had a significant emotional impact on the young player. According to her, Daga maintains his innocence and is prepared to cooperate fully with the judicial process.
The case has sparked debate within football and legal circles about how clubs should respond when players face serious criminal allegations. In recent years, European clubs have increasingly adopted precautionary suspensions in such cases, balancing the presumption of innocence with reputational risk and duty of care to all parties.
For Molde FK, the decision to suspend Daga reflects a cautious approach aimed at protecting the integrity of the club while allowing the Norwegian justice system to determine the outcome of the case. The club has not indicated whether further disciplinary measures could follow, stating only that it will reassess the situation as legal proceedings unfold.
In Nigeria, the news has been met with concern among football fans and analysts, many of whom view Daga as one of the country’s emerging talents. Some have urged restraint and respect for due process, warning against premature judgments that could irreparably damage the player’s career if the allegations are not proven in court.
Human rights advocates, on the other hand, have emphasised the importance of taking sexual assault allegations seriously and ensuring that complainants have access to justice without intimidation or public backlash.
As the case moves toward trial in 2026, Daga’s immediate football future remains uncertain. With his suspension in place and court proceedings pending, the young midfielder faces a prolonged period away from competitive football at a crucial stage of his development.
The outcome of the case is expected to have far reaching implications, not only for Daga’s career but also for how clubs in Norway and beyond manage similar situations involving young professional athletes. For now, both Molde FK and the player await the court’s determination, as legal proceedings take precedence over sporting ambitions.
