Moroccan law enforcement authorities have arrested a suspect who has reportedly confessed to stealing cash from multiple rooms utilised by members of Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca.
The security breakthrough comes just ahead of the team's opening fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). According to reports, full restitution of the missing funds is expected to be paid to the players, while formal criminal proceedings initiated by local authorities move forward.
The theft took place on the final day of the Nigerian squad’s training camp in Casablanca. The team subsequently relocated to Rabat, where they are stationed for their upcoming Group C matches.
Several key players publicly came forward regarding the security breach on social media. Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo revealed that she, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and defender Michelle Alozie were among those targeted.
Okoronkwo stated that upwards of $1,000 in total cash was removed from their personal belongings while they were away from their quarters. Beyond the financial loss, the players expressed extreme frustration with the hotel's initial reaction to the security lapse.
"We started talking to them and they don't have answers. They also started being disrespectful," Okoronkwo stated while detailing the players' grievances with the management and staff.
Following widespread public outcry and complaints circulating across digital platforms, investigative updates were provided by prominent Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh.
"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," Udoh announced in a public statement. "Full restitution will be made to the players while the law takes its course."
With the investigation yielding a swift resolution and recovery measures underway, the Super Falcons have formally shifted their concentration back to the continental championship. Head coach Justine Madugu's squad has completed rigorous training sessions at the AS FAR facility in Rabat in preparation for their tournament opener.
The record 10-time African champions are scheduled to kick off their Group C campaign against Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium. The team will subsequently face group opponents Zambia and Egypt as they pursue an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title.