Norwegian 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, 18, is accused of committing a sexual act without consent, an offence under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code. The alleged incident was first reported to the police in late April 2025, according to the club.
In a statement issued on Friday, Molde FK confirmed that the case is expected to go to trial in March 2026 at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court. The club said both the player and the club cooperated fully with Norwegian police during the investigation.
Following the indictment, Daga has been suspended from all training sessions and match activities with immediate effect and for the foreseeable future.
Before his suspension, the midfielder last featured for Molde on November 24 in a 2–1 away victory over Strømsgodset. He has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two league goals.
Daga joined Molde FK in January from Nigerian club FC ONE Rocket on a three-year contract. In October, he represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the second time, where the Flying Eagles were knocked out 4–0 by Argentina in the round of 16.
Molde FK said the player returned to Nigeria for a scheduled holiday at the end of the 2025 season and that arrangements are in place for his return to Norway ahead of the court proceedings.
Chairman of the club, Odd Ivar Moen, described the situation as serious, stressing the club’s responsibility to handle the matter appropriately. He said the club has also been in contact with the complainant’s legal representatives and acknowledged the strain the case has caused.
Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, denied the allegation on his behalf, insisting that the sexual encounter was consensual. She said her client does not plead guilty and is looking forward to the court hearing to clear his name, adding that there was no suspicion of violence or threats.
Bolstad also noted that the player was surprised by the decision to press charges and said the situation has had a significant emotional impact on him.
