A suspect has reportedly confessed to stealing cash belonging to several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The suspect was arrested after an investigation into the incident and is expected to return all the stolen money. Authorities are also preparing to begin criminal proceedings.
The theft happened during the team’s final day in Casablanca before the players travelled to Rabat for their Group C matches.
Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo revealed that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among those affected.
Okoronkwo said more than $1,000 was stolen from the players’ hotel rooms. She also criticised the hotel’s response, claiming staff failed to properly address the complaints and behaved disrespectfully.
Following the public allegations, Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh announced that investigators had made progress.
According to Udoh, the suspect admitted to the crime and arrangements have been made for full restitution to the affected players.
Despite the incident, the Super Falcons have shifted their attention to the tournament. The team trained twice on Sunday at the AS FAR training ground in Rabat.
Nigeria will begin its WAFCON campaign against Malawi on Tuesday before facing Zambia and Egypt in Group C.
The Super Falcons are aiming to win a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
