A suspect has reportedly been arrested and admitted to stealing money belonging to several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, just days before Nigeria’s opening fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

According to reports, the suspect is expected to return all of the stolen cash, while legal proceedings will continue.

The theft occurred on the final day of Nigeria’s training camp in Casablanca before the team relocated to Rabat for their Group C matches.

Players Reveal Hotel Theft

The Super Falcons opened their WAFCON 2026 preparations on July 15 in Mohammedia, a coastal city in Morocco, before moving to Rabat on Saturday, where they will remain throughout the group stage.

Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo later disclosed on social media that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among those whose cash was stolen from their hotel rooms.

Okoronkwo said the total amount taken exceeded $1,000 and criticised the hotel’s response after the incident was reported.

“We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful,” she said, while urging members of the public not to patronise the hotel.

Journalist Confirms Breakthrough

Following the players’ complaints, Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh announced that investigators had made 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 in a post on Sunday.

Falcons Turn Attention to WAFCON Campaign

Despite the incident, the Super Falcons have shifted their focus to the tournament as they prepare to begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign against Malawi on Tuesday at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

Head coach Justine Madugu’s side held two training sessions at the AS FAR training ground on Sunday ahead of the opening fixture.

Nigeria, Africa’s record 10-time women’s champions, will also face Zambia and Egypt in Group C as they seek to win a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.