Super Falcons recover stolen cash after hotel theft suspect confesses

Super Falcons recover stolen cash after hotel theft suspect confesses

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have recovered cash stolen from several players after a suspect arrested in connection with the theft at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, reportedly confessed to the crime, bringing relief to the team’s camp ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The breakthrough comes days after members of the Nigerian women’s national team reported that money had disappeared from their hotel rooms during the final phase of their training camp in Casablanca before the squad relocated to Rabat for the tournament.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, Moroccan security authorities arrested a suspect following an intensive inquiry involving hotel management, security personnel and local law enforcement agencies.

The suspect reportedly admitted responsibility for the theft during interrogation, and authorities have commenced arrangements to ensure that all the affected players receive full restitution of their stolen money while criminal proceedings continue under Moroccan law.

The development was disclosed by Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles Media Officer, Colin Udoh, who said Moroccan authorities had made significant progress in the investigation.

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“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.

Earlier, Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo revealed that she, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Michelle Alozie were among the players whose cash was stolen.

Okoronkwo disclosed that the total amount taken exceeded $1,000, adding that hotel officials initially failed to provide satisfactory explanations after the incident was reported.

She also criticised the hotel’s initial response, alleging that some officials became dismissive while the players sought answers over the missing money.

The theft occurred while the Super Falcons were camped at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca as part of their preparations for the continental tournament.

Nigeria had opened its pre-tournament training camp in Mohammedia on July 15 before relocating to Rabat, where the nine-time African champions are scheduled to play all their Group C matches.

Following the reported theft, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) immediately engaged Moroccan authorities and hotel management, leading to a comprehensive investigation that reportedly included interviews, security reviews and the examination of surveillance footage.

The swift breakthrough has been welcomed by members of the Nigerian delegation, who expressed appreciation for the prompt response by Moroccan security agencies.

Although authorities have not officially disclosed the identity of the suspect or the exact amount recovered, investigators confirmed that arrangements are being made to return all stolen funds to the affected players.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to face prosecution in accordance with Moroccan criminal law after the restitution process is completed.

Despite the off-field incident, the Super Falcons have maintained their focus on the 2026 WAFCON, with head coach Justine Madugu intensifying preparations for Nigeria’s opening Group C fixture against Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The team held multiple training sessions at the AS FAR Training Ground as preparations gathered momentum ahead of the crucial opener.

Nigeria enters the tournament as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won a record 10 WAFCON titles, and is aiming to capture an unprecedented 11th continental championship.

The Super Falcons will face Malawi, Zambia and Egypt in Group C, with expectations high that the experienced squad can mount another successful title challenge.

The successful recovery of the stolen money has eased concerns within the team’s camp, allowing the players to concentrate fully on their quest to reclaim the African title.

Super Falcons recover stolen cash after hotel theft suspect confesses