Moroccan police have arrested a hotel employee in connection with the alleged theft of cash from members of Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad during their pre-tournament training camp ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
The arrest comes after authorities launched an investigation into complaints lodged by several players, who reported that money had gone missing from their hotel rooms while the team was staying at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca before relocating to Rabat for the showpiece.
According to reports, investigators from the judicial police unit in Casablanca’s Anfa security district identified the suspect following a series of inquiries. A subsequent search reportedly led to the recovery of MAD10,000, an amount authorities believe represents the proceeds of the alleged thefts after the money was converted from US dollars into Moroccan dirhams.
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The incident first came to public attention after Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo disclosed on social media that $700 had disappeared from her wallet while she was away from her hotel room.
It later emerged that other members of the Nigerian delegation had also reported missing cash, prompting the team’s media officer to confirm that the matter had been referred to the relevant Moroccan authorities.
Additional reports indicate that the hotel employee has accepted responsibility for the incident and agreed to reimburse the affected players, although judicial proceedings are expected to continue as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.
The suspect has since been placed in police custody under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office as authorities continue their investigation into the alleged offences.
Having concluded their preparations in Casablanca, the Super Falcons have now shifted their focus to on-field matters. Justin Madugu’s side begin the defence of their WAFCON crown against Malawi on Tuesday as they chase a record-extending 11th continental title and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
