Moroccan police have arrested an employee in Marriott Hotel in Casablanca on suspicion of stealing money from the rooms of players of Nigeria’s Super Falcons who will take part in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), according to Morocco World News.
Officers from the judicial police unit in Casablanca’s Anfa security district arrested the suspect today, following complaints concerning several separate thefts from the players’ rooms.
Super Falcons star forward, Esther Okoronkwo, alleged on social media that $700 had been taken from her wallet. Other teammates were also reported to have discovered that cash was missing from their rooms.
The team’s media officer subsequently confirmed that the players had reported the matter to the relevant Moroccan authorities and that an investigation was underway.
According to a police statement, investigators carried out extensive field inquiries that led them to identify the suspect as an employee of the same hotel where the players were staying.
Searches conducted as part of the investigation resulted in the recovery of MAD 10,000, which police believe represents the full amount obtained through the alleged thefts.
Also Read: WAFCON 2026: Payne Targets Back-To-Back Titles With Super Falcons
The suspect had reportedly converted the stolen money from US dollars into Moroccan dirhams.
Police placed the hotel employee in custody pending the completion of a judicial investigation supervised by the competent public prosecutor’s office.
The investigation will seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine all alleged criminal acts that may be attributed to the suspect.
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will begin the defence of their WAFCON title on Tuesday, July 28, when they will take on Malawi in Group C. Other teams in the group are Zambia and Egypt.
The coach Justin Madugu-led side will look to secure a record-extending 11th title and also clinch one of the four automatic World Cup 2027 qualification ticket.
By James Agberebi
