Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga celebrated his return to Molde’s starting XI with a goal as the Norwegian club completed a 4-2 comeback win over KFUM Oslo on Sunday.
The 19-year-old, making his second appearance since being cleared on appeal in a rape case, scored in the 40th minute to level the match after Molde conceded inside the opening minute.
Daga reacted quickest to convert a rebound before Emil Breivik gave Molde the lead shortly after the break. KFUM Oslo restored parity soon after, but late goals from Martin Linnes and Samukele Kabini secured victory for the visitors in stoppage time.
The match marked Daga’s second start since Molde lifted his suspension following the legal proceedings. The midfielder was acquitted earlier this month by Norway’s Frostating Court of Appeal, overturning a previous conviction issued in March.
Molde had suspended Daga from first-team activities after the initial verdict but reinstated him following the appeal ruling.
“Daniel Daga is unanimously acquitted in the criminal case that has been dealt with by the Frostating Court of Appeal. Molde FK takes note of the verdict, although the judgment is not yet legally binding,” the club said in a statement.
“The club recognises that this has been a serious and burdensome case for everyone who has been affected.
“Since the indictment was filed, Molde FK has made ongoing assessments based on the situation and the club’s responsibilities as an employer. Now that the Court of Appeal’s judgment has been delivered and Daniel Daga has been acquitted, we consider the employment situation to be clarified, and Daniel will be available for selection for Molde FK going forward.”
Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, had consistently maintained his innocence after the initial conviction and later filed the successful appeal.
The former Flying Eagles player joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season and has since recorded 14 appearances and three goals for the Norwegian side.
