Nigeria U20 found not guilty of sexual assault by Norwegian appeals court

Former Nigeria U20 captain Daniel Daga has been cleared of sexual assault allegations that halted his career progression with Norwegian side Molde, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Daga joined the team more than a year ago and received an indefinite suspension when the sexual assault issue began. The club confirmed the matter with an official statement.

“This is a serious matter and we take the charges very seriously. These types of cases are extremely demanding for everyone involved,” said Molde president Odd Ivar Moen.

However, the 18-year-old Nigerian’s legal team strongly denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the midfielder acknowledges a sexual encounter occurred but insists it was consensual.

“My client is not pleading guilty and believes he has done nothing illegal,” Bolstad said.

“There is no suspicion of violence or threats. He hopes the case will be heard in court so he can clear his name.”

In a recent statement issued by the club today, they confirmed that the 19-year-old is now free to return to the team’s squad, after an appeals court found him not guilty.

“Daniel Daga has been unanimously acquitted in the criminal case that has been examined by the Frostating Court of Appeal. Molde FK takes note of the sentence, although it is not yet final,” reads a statement on its website.

– Today we received information about the ruling of the Court of Appeal. This has been a demanding period for everyone involved and we want to approach it with respect and consideration for all those affected, says CEO Vegard Storvik.

Daniel Martin

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