Daniel Daga: Molde Drops Nigeria U20 Captain After Sexual Assault Charge in Norway
- Molde has excluded Flying Eagles captain Daniel Daga from their winter camp squad amid an ongoing police case
- The Nigerian midfielder has been formally charged with sexual assault under Norwegian law
- A court hearing is expected in March 2026 at Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court
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Molde FK have left Nigeria U20 captain Daniel Daga out of a 27-man winter training camp squad in La Nucia, Spain, as legal proceedings continue over a sexual assault charge in Norway.
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The 19-year-old midfielder, who captained the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U-20 World Cup per the Nigeria Football Federation, is currently suspended by the club and remains under police investigation.
Molde confirms Daga’s suspension and squad exclusion
Molde has confirmed that Daga will not be part of their winter camp preparations while the legal process continues.
The Norwegian club said the alleged incident was reported to police in late April 2025 and that the player has since been suspended from first-team activities.
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As seen on Transfermarkt, Daga joined Molde from Nigerian side FC One Rocket about a year ago and was seen as a long-term project for the Norwegian club.
He has made only one competitive appearance this season, featuring in the NM Cup defeat to Strømsgodset in September 2025.
Molde chairman Odd Ivar Moen described the situation as difficult for everyone involved.
“This is a serious matter, and we take the charges very seriously. These types of cases are extremely demanding for everyone involved,” he said.
The club also confirmed it has remained in contact with the complainant and her legal representatives, acknowledging the personal and emotional strain linked to the case.
Norwegian authorities have charged Daga with committing a sexual act without consent under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code.
The case is expected to be heard at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court in March 2026.
Legal aid lawyer Anette Western Torgersen, who represents the complainant, declined to discuss details of the case but said it carries “a great burden for the victim.”
Molde stated that both the club and the player have cooperated fully with police throughout the investigation.
Daga is currently in Nigeria on holiday and is expected to return to Norway ahead of the court hearing.
Daga’s camp denies any crime
Daga’s legal team has strongly denied the allegation. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the midfielder accepts that a sexual encounter took place but insists it was consensual.
“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.”
The situation places a cloud over the career of a player who, only months ago, was leading Nigeria’s U20 side on the global stage.
Robinho convicted for sexual assault
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Brazilian judges have ruled to uphold former Manchester City and Seleção forward Robinho’s sexual offence conviction.
Robinho received a nine-year prison sentence in Italy for his involvement in a group sexual assault incident in 2013 during his time with AC Milan. As a result of Brazil’s policy against extraditing its citizens, Italy requested that he serve his sentence within Brazil.
Source: Legit.ng
