Daniel Daga released by Nigeria U23s to return to Molde for Bodø/Glimt clash

Molde have agreed with the Nigeria Football Federation that midfielder Daniel Daga can leave the Olympic Eagles squad and return to Norway before Friday’s crucial Eliteserien meeting with Bodø/Glimt, according to allnigeriaSoccer.com.

The 19-year-old started Nigeria’s 2-0 first-leg defeat by the Democratic Republic of Congo in Lubumbashi on Friday afternoon, in their U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie.

However, Daga will not feature in the return leg in Ikenne after being granted permission to rejoin his club. Brighton & Hove Albion forward Zadok Yohanna has also been allowed to return to his club and did not travel back to Lagos with the Olympic Eagles.

Molde want Daga available for the visit of last season’s UEFA Champions League surprise package, Bodø/Glimt. The match at Aker Stadium has major significance for the home side, who are competing with Lillestrøm, Rosenborg and Tromsø for a place in European competition.

There are only four matches remaining in the 2026 season, increasing the importance of Friday’s fixture in the race for continental qualification.

Daga has established himself as a key player for manager Sindre Tjelmeland despite missing Molde’s first 12 matches of the campaign because of well-documented off-field issues.

Since returning to action, the former Flying Eagles player has started 12 of the club’s 14 league matches. His regular selection has underlined his importance to Molde during their push for a place in Europe.

The midfielder has also contributed goals and assists. He scored in successive games against KFUM Oslo and Sarpsborg 08 before setting up a goal in Molde’s meeting with Lillestrøm last month.

His release means Daga will miss Nigeria’s second meeting with the Democratic Republic of Congo but should be available to help Molde in a fixture that could prove significant at the end of the league season.