Former Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga is enjoying a remarkable return to football with Molde, scoring in consecutive league games after months away from competitive action following a difficult legal ordeal.
Daga was on target again on Sunday as Molde played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Sarpsborg 08 at Aker Stadion.
The 19-year-old reacted quickest at the back post to head home from close range after Emil Breivik flicked on a corner.
The goal came just a week after Daga opened his account for Molde in their 4-2 comeback victory over KFUM-Kameratene Oslo.
The Nigerian midfielder has now scored two goals in his last three league appearances, underlining the impact of his return to the Molde first team.
From suspension to a fresh start
Daga’s recent resurgence comes after a turbulent period that threatened to derail his promising career in Norway.
In December 2025, Molde removed him from training and matchday activities after he was formally charged over an alleged sexual offence involving an unnamed woman. The case reportedly dated back to April 2025.
In March 2026, a Norwegian district court convicted Daga and sentenced him to six months in prison for a sexual act without consent.
Daga maintained his innocence, with his lawyer arguing that the encounter was consensual, and an appeal was filed.
Molde subsequently kept him out of its match squad while the legal process continued.
The case, however, took a decisive turn in July.
Norway’s Frostrating Court of Appeal unanimously acquitted Daga, overturning the earlier conviction.
Molde subsequently confirmed that the midfielder would again be available for selection.
Daga’s return has since been emphatic.
He marked his comeback against KFUM with an emotional goal and followed it with another against Sarpsborg, offering a powerful reminder of his footballing ability after an extremely challenging period.
For the former Flying Eagles star, the focus is now back where he wants it, on the pitch, performing for Molde and rebuilding the momentum that once made him one of Nigeria’s most promising young midfielders.
