Molde midfielder Daniel Daga charged with sexual assault in Norway

Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga has been formally charged with sexual assault without consent in Norway, according to a report by AfricaSoccer.com, with his club Molde FK confirming the development in an official statement released on Friday evening.

The 18-year-old, regarded as one of Nigeria’s emerging midfield talents in Europe, has been suspended from all training sessions and matchday activities until further notice as legal proceedings continue.

Molde FK disclosed that Daga has fully cooperated with Norwegian police throughout the investigation and attended all required interrogations. The player has since returned to Nigeria but is expected to travel back to Norway ahead of court hearings scheduled for March 2026 at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court.

“This is a serious matter, and we take the charges very seriously,” Molde chairman Odd Ivar Moen said. “These types of cases are extremely demanding for everyone involved.”

The club also confirmed it has been in contact with the complainant’s legal representatives, acknowledging the emotional and personal toll associated with the case. Legal aid lawyer Anette Western Torgersen, who represents the complainant, declined to provide further details, stating only that the case represents “a great burden for the victim.”

Daga’s legal team has firmly denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the midfielder admits that a sexual encounter took place but insists it was consensual.

“My client does not plead guilty and believes he has done nothing illegal,” Bolstad said. “There is no suspicion of violence or threats. He looks forward to having the case heard in court so he can clear his name.”

Bolstad added that Daga has been deeply affected by the charge and expressed surprise that the investigation resulted in a formal prosecution.

The teenager joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season and made 17 appearances across all competitions, featuring regularly in midfield during his debut campaign in Norwegian football.

As the legal process continues, Molde FK reiterated its commitment to acting responsibly while ensuring fairness, care, and respect for all parties involved.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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