WAFCON 2026: Moroccan Police Arrest Hotel Employee Over Alleged Theft From Super Falcons Players
Investigators recovered MAD 10,000, believed to be the full amount taken, after Esther Okoronkwo and several teammates reported cash missing from their rooms in Casablanca.
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Moroccan police have arrested an employee of the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca on suspicion of stealing money from the rooms of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players, according to Morocco World News.
Officers from the judicial police unit in Casablanca’s Anfa security district made the arrest following complaints about several separate thefts from the players’ rooms. Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo had alleged on social media that $700 was taken from her wallet, with other teammates also reporting cash missing from their rooms. The team’s media officer subsequently confirmed the players had reported the matter to Moroccan authorities and that an investigation was underway.
According to a police statement, investigators identified the suspect as an employee of the same hotel where the players were staying, following extensive field inquiries. Searches carried out as part of the investigation recovered MAD 10,000, which police believe represents the full amount obtained through the alleged thefts. The suspect had reportedly converted the money from US dollars into Moroccan dirhams.
The suspect remains in custody pending a judicial investigation supervised by the public prosecutor’s office, which will seek to establish the full circumstances of the case.
The development comes as the Super Falcons prepare to open the defence of their WAFCON title. Justine Madugu’s side face Malawi in Group C on Tuesday, July 28, alongside Zambia and Egypt, as Nigeria targets a record-extending 11th continental title and one of four automatic qualification tickets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Key Facts
- Moroccan police arrested a Marriott Hotel employee in Casablanca in connection with the alleged thefts.
- Esther Okoronkwo initially reported $700 missing from her wallet other teammates also reported cash missing.
- Police recovered MAD 10,000, believed to be the full amount taken, during the investigation.
- The suspect remains in custody pending a judicial investigation overseen by the public prosecutor’s office.
- Nigeria open their WAFCON 2026 title defence against Malawi on July 28 in Group C, alongside Zambia and Egypt.
- Nigeria are targeting a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
