The captain of the U20 team of Nigeria Daniel Daga has not been included in the squad of Norwegian side Molde for their winter camp, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Molde are currently at their winter camp in La Nucia, a suburb of Span with 27 players in preparation for the season but without Daga , who is facing charges of sexual assault.
Daga joined the team a year ago, and was handed indefinite suspension when the matter of sexual assault started. The club confirmed the issue with an official statement.
He is expected to face a court hearing at Nordmore and Romsdal District Court in March 2026 upon his return from Nigeria, where he is currently on holiday.
“This is a serious matter, and we take the charges very seriously. These types of cases are extremely demanding for everyone involved”, Molde chairman Odd Ivar Moen said.
Molde confirmed that they have been in touch with the lady who lodged the complainant and her legal representatives to acknowledge the emotional and personal burden associated with the case.
Legal aid lawyer Anette Western Torgersen, representing the complainant, declined to discuss details, stating only that the matter represents “a great burden for the victim.”
The legal team of the 18 year old Nigerian however strongly denied wrongdoing. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the midfielder acknowledges a sexual encounter occurred 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.”
Ade Emmanuel
