A suspect has reportedly been arrested and confessed to stealing cash belonging to several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, just days before Nigeria’s opening match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The suspect is expected to return all the stolen money, while criminal proceedings are set to follow.
The theft occurred on the final day of the team’s training camp in Casablanca before the Super Falcons relocated to Rabat for their Group C fixtures.
Nigeria began preparations for WAFCON 2026 on July 15 in Mohammedia before moving to Rabat on Saturday, where the team will remain throughout the group stage.
Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo disclosed on social media that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among the players whose cash was stolen from their hotel rooms.
According to Okoronkwo, more than $1,000 was taken during the incident. She also criticised the hotel’s staff for allegedly failing to respond appropriately after the matter was reported.
“We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful,” Okoronkwo said, while warning members of the public against patronising the hotel.
Providing an update on the case, Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer, Colin Udoh, said the investigation had recorded a major breakthrough.
“I have been informed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft at the Super Falcons’ Marriott Hotel in Casablanca and has confessed. Full restitution will be made to the players while the law takes its course,” Udoh posted on Sunday.
Despite the incident, the Super Falcons have turned their attention to the tournament, with head coach Justine Madugu’s side set to begin their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The team held two training sessions at the AS FAR training ground on Sunday as preparations intensified for the opening fixture.
Nigeria, the record 10-time African champions, will also face Zambia and Egypt in Group C as they seek a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
