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A suspect arrested in connection with the theft of cash belonging to several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca has reportedly confessed to the crime, with arrangements underway for full restitution to the affected players.
The development comes days after members of Nigeria’s women’s national team reported that money was stolen from their hotel rooms during the final phase of their training camp ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The incident occurred before the team relocated from Casablanca to Rabat for their Group C fixtures.
Nigeria opened its WAFCON preparations in Mohammedia on July 15 before moving to Rabat on Saturday, where the nine-time African champions will play all their group-stage matches.
Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo disclosed that she, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Michelle Alozie were among the players whose money was stolen.
According to Okoronkwo, the total amount taken exceeded $1,000, adding that hotel officials initially failed to provide satisfactory explanations after the matter was reported.
“We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful,” Okoronkwo said, while urging members of the public to avoid patronising the hotel.
Providing an update on the investigation, Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh revealed that Moroccan authorities had made 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 on Sunday.
The suspect is expected to return all the stolen money, while criminal proceedings will continue in accordance with Moroccan law.
Despite the incident, the Super Falcons have shifted their attention to the tournament as they prepare to begin their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
Coach Justine Madugu’s side held two training sessions at the AS FAR Training Ground on Sunday as preparations intensified for their opening fixture.
Nigeria, Africa’s most successful women’s national team with 10 WAFCON titles, will also face Zambia and Egypt in Group C as they pursue a record-extending 11th continental crown.
