Suspect confesses to Falcons hotel heist

A suspect has reportedly confessed to stealing cash from several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, just days before Nigeria's opening match in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The incident occurred on the final day of the team's training camp in Casablanca before they relocated to Rabat for their group stage matches.

Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo revealed on social media that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among those affected, with over $1,000 reportedly stolen. Okoronkwo also expressed dissatisfaction with the hotel staff's response, stating they were unhelpful and disrespectful.

Following the players' public complaints, Nigerian journalist Colin Udoh provided an update, stating that a suspect had been arrested and confessed. Udoh confirmed that full restitution would be made to the players while legal proceedings continue. This development offers a resolution to the theft case.

Despite the unsettling incident and the subsequent racist abuse directed at Okoronkwo, the Super Falcons are shifting their focus to the tournament. Head coach Justine Madugu's side, aiming for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, will begin their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, followed by matches against Zambia and Egypt in Group C.

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We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful.