Moroccan police have arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of cash belonging to several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
According to reports, the suspect has confessed to the crime and is expected to refund the stolen money, while legal proceedings will continue.
The incident occurred on the final day of Nigeria’s training camp in Casablanca before the team travelled to Rabat for their Group C matches at the tournament.
Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo had earlier revealed that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among the players whose cash was stolen from their hotel rooms.
Okoronkwo disclosed that more than $1,000 was taken during the incident and criticised the hotel’s handling of the matter, alleging that staff members failed to respond appropriately after the theft was reported.
“We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful,”
Okoronkwo said in a social media post while advising fans against patronising the hotel.
Providing an update on the case, Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh stated that investigations had yielded a 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 wrote.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the Super Falcons have shifted their attention to the tournament. Coach Justine Madugu’s side is scheduled to begin its WAFCON 2026 campaign against Malawi on Tuesday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The nine-time African champions held two training sessions at the AS FAR Training Ground on Sunday and will hold another one on Monday night as preparations intensified for their opening fixture against Malawi on Tuesday evening.
Nigeria will also face Zambia and Egypt in Group C as the Super Falcons aim to secure a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
.){kind=link}