Daniel Daga’s football career has received a major boost after Norwegian club Molde FK confirmed the Nigerian midfielder can return to action following his unanimous acquittal by the Frostating Court of Appeal in a sexual assault case that kept him out of football for almost a year.
The verdict brings an end to one of the most challenging periods of the former Flying Eagles captain’s career.
Daga had been removed from Molde’s first-team activities after criminal charges were filed in Norway. Following an initial conviction by the Romsdal District Court earlier this year, the teenager immediately appealed the judgment while insisting he was innocent. The Court of Appeal has now overturned the earlier ruling, acquitting the midfielder of the charge.
Responding to the decision, Molde released an official statement confirming that Daga has been reinstated.
The club said it had carefully balanced its responsibility as an employer with the seriousness of the allegations throughout the legal process before deciding that, following the appeal court’s acquittal, the Nigerian is once again eligible to represent the club.
Molde also emphasized that while the appeal court’s verdict has not yet become legally binding, it considers the player available for selection with immediate effect.
Chief Executive Officer Vegard Storvik acknowledged the emotional toll the case had taken on everyone involved.
“Today we have received information about the Court of Appeal’s verdict. This has been a demanding period for everyone involved, and we wish to approach it with respect and consideration for all who have been affected,” Storvik said.
Before the legal proceedings halted his progress, Daga had impressed during his first season in Norway after completing his move from Nigeria. His energetic midfield displays and maturity beyond his age quickly established him as one of the country’s most exciting young exports.
The verdict is expected to allow the 19-year-old to resume his development at Molde, where he will now compete for a place in the first team after spending nearly 11 months on the sidelines.
For one of Nigeria’s brightest emerging talents, the decision represents not only legal vindication but also the opportunity to rebuild a career that had been abruptly interrupted. With Molde confirming his immediate availability, attention will now shift from the courtroom back to the football pitch, where Daga will hope to rediscover the form that made him one of the most highly rated midfielders of his generation.