Molde FK star Daniel Daga cleared of sexual assault charges, set for return after 11-month exile

Nigerian defender Daniel Daga has been fully acquitted of all sexual assault allegations by the Frostating Court of Appeal, paving the way for his immediate return to first-team action with Norwegian Eliteserien side Molde FK, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The verdict ends an 11-month nightmare for the 24-year-old, who was suspended by the club and barred from training facilities in August 2025 following the initial complaint. Daga, who joined Molde from Nigerian side Enyimba in 2023, has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the protracted legal battle.

The Frostating Court of Appeal overturned an earlier lower-court ruling, citing insufficient evidence to meet the criminal threshold. In a statement released this afternoon, Molde FK expressed relief at the outcome and confirmed the defender’s reintegration into the squad.

“Molde FK has received the final judgment from the Frostating Court of Appeal, which acquits Daniel Daga of all charges. We have always trusted the legal system and maintained that our player should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” the club said in an official press release.

“The club will now work closely with Daniel to ensure a smooth transition back to training and competitive play. He is, with immediate effect, available for selection.”

Daga, a versatile centre-back known for his composure on the ball and aerial dominance, has been a fan favourite at the Aker Stadion since his arrival. Prior to his suspension, he had made 34 appearances for Molde, helping the club secure a Europa Conference League qualifying spot.

The acquittal comes as a major boost for Molde, who have struggled defensively in his absence, currently sitting fifth in the Eliteserien table with the season entering its critical final stretch.

The player’s legal team released a brief statement expressing gratitude to the court and calling for privacy as Daga returns to normal life.

“The past 11 months have been extraordinarily difficult, but Daniel has never wavered in his belief that justice would prevail,” his lawyer said. “He is eager to get back on the pitch and repay the faith shown by the club and his teammates.”

Daga is expected to resume individual training immediately and could feature in Molde’s upcoming league fixture against rivals Rosenborg, pending match fitness. The club has not indicated whether disciplinary measures will be taken regarding the suspension period, but sources suggest the acquittal effectively clears his record with the team.

This case underscores the complexities of handling sexual assault allegations in professional sport, where clubs often suspend players pending legal outcomes – a practice Molde has defended as a necessary precaution for all parties involved. With the legal chapter now closed, the focus shifts entirely to Daga’s rehabilitation and his attempt to reclaim his place in Molde’s starting XI.