Moroccan police have arrested an employee of the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca over the alleged theft of money from rooms occupied by Nigeria’s Super Falcons ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The arrest follows complaints lodged by members of the Nigerian squad after several players reported that cash had gone missing from their hotel rooms while they were away.
Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo was among those affected, revealing on social media that $700 had been taken from her wallet. Other players also reportedly discovered missing cash, prompting the team’s officials to notify the Moroccan authorities.
The Super Falcons’ media officer later confirmed that the matter had been formally reported and that security agencies had commenced an investigation.
According to a statement released by Moroccan police and reported by Morocco World News, detectives from the judicial police unit in Casablanca’s Anfa security district identified the suspect after carrying out extensive investigations.
Police said the suspect is an employee of the same hotel where the Nigerian delegation is staying.
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During searches conducted as part of the investigation, officers recovered MAD 10,000, which investigators believe represents the total amount allegedly stolen from the players.
Authorities added that the suspect had reportedly converted the stolen money from US dollars into Moroccan dirhams before the cash was recovered.
The hotel employee has since been placed in police custody pending the completion of a judicial investigation supervised by the competent public prosecutor’s office.
Investigators are expected to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged thefts and establish any additional offences that may have been committed.
Despite the off field distraction, the Super Falcons remain focused on their title defence.
Justin Madugu’s side will begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, in their opening Group C fixture. Nigeria will also face Zambia and Egypt as they bid to win a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and secure one of Africa’s four qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
