Molde FK have confirmed that Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga has been charged with a sexual conduct offence in Norway and withdrawn from all football activities pending legal proceedings, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Norwegian club disclosed the development in a press release on Friday evening, stating that the 18-year-old has cooperated fully with police investigations and will remain unavailable for training and matches for the foreseeable future.
Molde confirm charge, withdraw Daga from football duties
Molde revealed that Daga has participated in all interrogations and fully cooperated with authorities since the case was reported in late April 2025.
Following discussions with the club, the midfielder has returned to Nigeria but is expected to travel back to Norway ahead of the legal proceedings.
“This is a serious matter, and we take the charges that have been brought very seriously,” Molde chairman Odd Ivar Moen said. “We know from experience how demanding such cases are for those involved, for the club, and for everyone around us.”
The club also confirmed that it has been in contact with the woman’s legal counsel to acknowledge the burden the case places on those affected.
Daga joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season and made 17 appearances for the club during the campaign.
Legal proceedings set for March as defence denies wrongdoing
As reported by Johannes Gustavsen of TV2, according to case information from the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court, the matter is scheduled for March.
Daga’s legal representative, Astrid Bolstad, has stated that the player does not admit guilt.
Bolstad explained that while her client acknowledges that a sexual encounter took place, he maintains that it was consensual and denies any criminal wrongdoing.
She also noted that there is no suspicion of violence or threats connected to the case.
Molde have reiterated that they will refrain from further comment while the legal process is ongoing.
The young midfielder represented Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where the team exited in the second round after a 4–0 defeat to Argentina.
He joined Molde in January 2025 and has made 18 appearances across the Norwegian league and the Europa Conference League.