Norwegian club Molde football club have 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. Molde FK disclosed that the alleged incident was first reported to the police in late April 2025.
In a statement issued on Friday, the club confirmed that legal proceedings are expected to begin in March 2026 at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court. Molde said both the player and the club have cooperated fully with Norwegian police throughout the investigation.
Following notification of the indictment, Daga has been suspended from all training sessions and match activities “for the foreseeable future.”
Before his suspension, the midfielder last featured for Molde on November 24 in a 2–1 away win against Strømsgodset. He has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring two league goals. Daga joined Molde from Nigerian side FC ONE Rocket in January on a three-year contract.
At international level, he represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in October, where the Flying Eagles were eliminated 4–0 by Argentina in the round of 16.
Molde FK noted that Daga returned to Nigeria for a scheduled holiday after the conclusion of the 2025 season, adding that arrangements have been made for his return to Norway ahead of the court proceedings.
Reacting to the development, Molde FK chairman Odd Ivar Moen described the situation as serious, stressing the club’s responsibility in handling the matter.
“This is a case of a grave nature, and we view the indictment with the utmost seriousness,” Moen said, adding that the club has also been in contact with the complainant’s legal counsel.
However, Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, denied the allegations on his behalf. While confirming that a sexual encounter occurred, she maintained that it was consensual.
“My client does not plead guilty and believes he has done nothing illegal,” Bolstad said, noting that there were no allegations of violence or threats. She added that Daga was surprised by the decision to file charges and is looking forward to clearing his name in court.