Norwegian football club Molde Fotballklubb has suspended Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga following his formal indictment on a sexual assault charge in Norway.
Daga, 18, is accused of engaging in a sexual act without consent, an offence under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code. According to the club, the alleged incident was reported to Norwegian police in late April 2025.
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 organisation cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
Following notification of the indictment, Daga has been suspended from all training sessions and competitive matches until further notice.
Before his suspension, the midfielder last played for Molde on November 24 in a 2–1 away win against Strømsgodset. He has featured in 15 matches across all competitions this season, scoring two goals.
Daga joined Molde from Nigerian club FC ONE Rocket in January on a three-year contract. He also represented Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where the team was eliminated by Argentina in the round of 16.
Molde FK confirmed that after the 2025 season ended, Daga travelled to Nigeria for a scheduled break, adding that arrangements are in place for his return to Norway ahead of the court proceedings.
Club chairman Odd Ivar Moen described the situation as serious, stressing the club’s responsibility to handle the matter carefully.
“This is a grave issue, and we take the indictment very seriously,” Moen said, noting that the club has also been in contact with the complainant’s legal representatives.
Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, has denied the allegations on his behalf. While acknowledging that a sexual encounter occurred, she insisted it was consensual.
“My client does not plead guilty and maintains that he has committed no criminal offence,” Bolstad said. “There is no allegation of violence or threats. He looks forward to the case being heard so he can clear his name.”
She added that Daga was surprised by the decision to file charges and that the situation has taken a significant emotional toll on him.
