Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga has been handed a major career lifeline after being acquitted of sexual assault charges, clearing the way for his return to Norwegian club Molde FK.
The 19-year-old, regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest football prospects, has endured months of uncertainty following legal proceedings that forced him away from competitive football. With the latest court ruling now in his favour, Daga can finally shift his focus back to the game, this marks an important reminder that due process matters, and careers should be judged only after the legal process has run its course.
Daga’s legal troubles began after he was reported to Norwegian authorities over an alleged sexual offence. Although he consistently denied the allegations, Molde FK suspended him from all football-related activities while the case progressed through the courts.
Earlier in the process, a district court in Romsdal found the Nigerian midfielder guilty and ordered him to pay legal costs. However, Daga appealed the ruling, and the Frostating Court of Appeal has now unanimously overturned that decision, acquitting him of all charges.
In an official statement, Molde FK confirmed the outcome and announced that the midfielder is eligible to return to football activities.
“Daniel Daga has been unanimously acquitted in the criminal case heard by the Frostating Court of Appeal.”
The club also noted that, although the judgment is not yet legally final, they now consider the player available for selection.
The legal battle interrupted what had been a promising start to Daga’s European career, after joining Molde FK in January 2025, the Nigerian midfielder quickly established himself as an important member of the squad, making 17 appearances before his suspension.
His performances had strengthened his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most exciting young midfielders and a player widely tipped for a future with the Super Eagles.
Instead of continuing that upward trajectory, Daga spent months away from football while the legal process unfolded. Now, the acquittal gives him an opportunity to rebuild both his confidence and his career.
Before his move to Norway, Daga had already built an impressive reputation on the international stage.
The defensive midfielder represented Nigeria at both the 2023 and 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cups, starting every match across both tournaments and earning praise for his composure, intelligence and work rate.
His consistent performances for the Flying Eagles placed him among the country’s most highly rated young prospects.
With the legal uncertainty now behind him, many Nigerian football fans will be hoping he can continue the development that once made him one of the nation’s standout youth internationals.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Daga as he works to regain match fitness and earn his place back in Molde’s squad.
After several months away from competitive action, rebuilding rhythm and confidence will be just as important as returning to the pitch.
For Molde FK, welcoming back a talented young midfielder provides an additional boost as the club continues its campaign.
For Daga, it represents something even bigger a fresh opportunity to move forward after one of the most challenging periods of his young career.
Daniel Daga’s acquittal brings an end to a difficult chapter that threatened to derail one of Nigeria’s brightest football careers.
While the legal process has taken its toll, the young midfielder now has the chance to let his football do the talking once again.
The next chapter will not be defined by courtrooms but by performances on the pitch, where Daga first earned recognition as one of Nigeria’s most promising talents.
