Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — Daniel Daga, the 18‑year‑old Nigerian midfielder and captain of the Nigeria under‑20 national team, has been suspended indefinitely by his Norwegian club, Molde FK, after being formally charged with alleged sexual assault in Norway, club and legal sources confirmed.
Molde FK, a top‑flight club in Norway’s Eliteserien, announced in an official statement that Daga has been removed from all training and match‑related activities while the legal process unfolds following accusations that he committed a sexual act without consent, a serious offence under Norwegian law.
The development stems from an incident first reported to Norwegian police in April 2025, and after an extended investigation, prosecutors formally charged the teenager this month. The club confirmed its full cooperation with law enforcement throughout the inquiry and said the decision to suspend the midfielder was taken “out of consideration for the upcoming legal process” to allow the case to proceed without interference.
Molde FK Chairman Odd Ivar Moen described the charges as “serious” and acknowledged the ordeal has been demanding for everyone involved, including the club, the player and those affected by the allegations. The club has also reached out to the legal representatives of the complainant, recognising the “emotional and personal burden” associated with the case, though detailed specifics have been withheld to protect privacy and due process.
Daga, who has since returned to Nigeria for the offseason, is expected to travel back to Norway to attend court proceedings scheduled for March 2026 at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court. The hearing will mark the next formal step in addressing the criminal charge.
Legal representatives for Daga, led by lawyer Astrid Bolstad, have firmly denied the allegations on his behalf. Bolstad confirmed that while a sexual encounter did take place, her client insists it was entirely consensual and maintains he has “done nothing illegal”. She expressed surprise that formal charges were brought after the investigation and reiterated Daga’s intention to clear his name in court, stressing that there is no suggestion of violence or threats in the encounter.
The midfielder, who joined Molde in early 2025 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most exciting young prospects, has also featured prominently for Nigeria’s youth teams, including at the FIFA U‑20 World Cup earlier this year. His suspension now places an abrupt pause on his burgeoning career in Europe as he focuses on his legal defence.
Sports law experts note that clubs often take precautionary disciplinary steps when players face serious allegations overseas, balancing respect for legal processes with broader reputational and ethical considerations. Molde’s decision to suspend Daga aligns with such principles, emphasising due process while acknowledging the gravity of the charges.
If convicted under Norwegian law, Daga could face significant penalties, including potential imprisonment, though the outcome will rest on evidence presented and adjudicated in court. For now, the football community in Nigeria and abroad watches closely, reflecting on the serious nature of the allegations and the implications they carry for the young player’s future.
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