Flying Eagles Daniel Daga reacts to rape allegation as Molde FK confirm charge

Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga has denied any wrongdoing after being charged with a sexual conduct offence in Norway, insisting that the encounter at the centre of the case was consensual.

Speaking through his legal representative, Astrid Bolstad, Daniel Daga, 18, maintained that while a sexual encounter did take place, he does not admit guilt and rejects any criminal accusation. Bolstad added that there is no allegation of violence or threats connected to the matter.

9news Nigeria reports that Molde FK have confirmed the charge and disclosed in a statement that Daga is facing legal proceedings in Norway. The club said the midfielder has fully cooperated with police investigations since the case was reported in late April 2025.

According to Molde, Daga has taken part in all interrogations and complied with requests from authorities. After consultations with the club, he has returned to Nigeria but is expected to travel back to Norway ahead of the court process.

“This is a serious matter, and we take the charges that have been brought very seriously,” Molde chairman Odd Ivar Moen said. “We know from experience how demanding such cases are for those involved, for the club, and for everyone around us.”

The Norwegian side also confirmed that it has been in contact with the woman’s legal counsel, acknowledging the strain the situation places on those affected.

As reported by Johannes Gustavsen of TV2, case information from the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court indicates that the matter is scheduled to be heard in March.

Daga joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season and featured regularly during the campaign, making appearances in both the Norwegian league and the Europa Conference League.

At the international level, the midfielder represented Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where the team exited in the second round following a 4-0 defeat to Argentina.

Molde have now confirmed that Daga has been withdrawn from all football-related activities and will remain suspended from training and matches pending the outcome of the legal process. The club said it will make no further comment while proceedings are ongoing.