Flying Eagles star faces criminal proceedings abroad as Molde FK suspends him amid formal charges.
Captain of Nigeria’s U20 national football team, Daniel Daga, has been formally charged with sexual assault without consent in Norway, placing his promising career in limbo and raising serious questions for both club and country.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who rose to prominence as captain of the Flying Eagles and currently plays for Norwegian top-flight club Molde FK, has been suspended indefinitely from all training and match-related activities by the club following the indictment.
According to Molde’s official communication, the alleged incident reported to Norwegian authorities in April 2025 led to police investigations under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code, which deals with sexual conduct without consent.
The club has confirmed that both it and Daga have fully cooperated with investigators throughout the process, and the midfielder has since returned to Nigeria on holiday while arrangements are made for him to travel back to Norway ahead of court proceedings scheduled for March 2026 at the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court.
Molde FK chairman Odd Ivar Moen described the matter as “serious and emotionally demanding for everyone involved,” highlighting the club’s commitment to handling the situation responsibly and with respect for all parties affected.
Response and Legal Defence
Daga’s legal team, led by lawyer Astrid Bolstad, has denied wrongdoing, stating that while a sexual encounter did occur, it was consensual and not illegal. Bolstad emphasised that Daga looks forward to clearing his name in court.
Before the suspension, Daga had been a key midfield figure for Molde FK, making 15–17 appearances across competitions and scoring league goals this season. His role as captain of the Flying Eagles at major youth tournaments had made him a notable rising star among Nigerian football prospects abroad.
The charges and resulting suspension, however, put his club career and international future with the Nigeria U20 team under threat, generating widespread discussion across Nigerian sporting communities particularly given his leadership role and profile.
What’s Next
As the legal process unfolds, Daga is expected to return to Norway in early 2026 for his trial. Until then, he remains suspended from football activities, and both club and authorities continue to navigate this complex legal and sporting situation
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