Norwegian Eliteserien side Molde FK has confirmed that Nigeria U20 star Daniel Daga has been cleared to return to football duties following his acquittal by the Frostating Court of Appeal in Norway.
The Nigerian midfielder had been sidelined for several months due to a sexual assault case that stemmed from an alleged incident reported to Norwegian authorities in April 2025.
The case led to a lower court conviction in early 2026, where Daga was initially handed a six-month prison sentence and ordered to pay legal costs.
However, that ruling was appealed, and the Frostating Court of Appeal has now unanimously cleared the 19-year-old of the charges, bringing a significant turning point in a case that had halted his playing career and drawn widespread attention in Norway and Nigeria.
Molde FK, in an official statement published on its website, confirmed both the verdict and the player’s reinstatement.
The club stressed that although the legal process is not fully concluded, the outcome of the appeal allows Daga to rejoin football activities.
Molde stated: “Daniel Daga has been unanimously acquitted in the criminal case that has been heard by the Frostating Court of Appeal. Based on the verdict, Molde FK considers that Daga will once again be available for play, even though the verdict is not yet final.”
Daga, who joined Molde in 2025 after rising through the ranks at FC One Rocket, Dakkada and Enyimba, had been regarded as one of Nigeria’s promising young midfield talents before the legal proceedings disrupted his progress in Norway.
During his time away from the pitch, he remained under club supervision while legal proceedings ran their course.
The appeal outcome now removes the immediate barrier to his return to competitive action, although the case may still proceed through further legal review.
With the court decision in his favour, Molde are expected to gradually reintegrate the midfielder into team training as he looks to rebuild his form and restart his European career.
Wale Adejumo
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