By Dorcas Francis Koji
A breakthrough has been recorded in the theft case involving several Super Falcons players after a suspect was reportedly arrested and confessed to stealing cash from members of the Nigerian team during their stay at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco.
The suspect is expected to return the stolen money in full, while legal proceedings are set to continue.
The incident occurred during the Super Falcons’ final days in Casablanca before the team relocated to Rabat for the group stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Nigeria initially opened its training camp in Mohammedia on July 15 before moving to Rabat, where the team will remain throughout the group stage of the tournament.
Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo was among the first players to publicly disclose the incident, revealing that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade all had money stolen from their hotel rooms.
According to Okoronkwo, the total amount taken exceeded $1,000. She also criticised the hotel’s response, alleging that staff failed to handle the matter professionally after the players reported the theft.
“We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful,” Okoronkwo said while cautioning members of the public about using the hotel.
Following the players’ complaints, Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh revealed that investigators had made significant progress in the case.
“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 on social media.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the Super Falcons have remained focused on their mission in Morocco as preparations intensify for the tournament.
Head coach Justine Madugu led the team through two training sessions at the AS FAR Training Ground on Sunday ahead of Nigeria’s opening Group C fixture against Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The nine-time African champions are aiming to reclaim the continental crown and secure a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, with further group-stage matches against Zambia and Egypt still to come.
The arrest and expected recovery of the stolen funds bring a measure of relief to the Nigerian delegation, allowing the players to shift their full attention to the task of competing for Africa’s biggest prize in women’s football.
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