Nigeria’s Super Falcons have had their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations disrupted after more than $1,000 in cash was reportedly stolen from players at their team hotel in Casablanca.
Multiple Nigerian media outlets say several members of the squad discovered money missing from their wallets inside their rooms at a Marriott hotel, with a total of $1,220 alleged to have been taken.
Forward Esther Okoronkwo is understood to have suffered the biggest loss, with $700 reported stolen from her belongings. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is also said to have had $200 taken.
The thefts are believed to have occurred within the hotel premises, with the cash removed directly from wallets that players had left in their rooms.
Some players have reportedly expressed anger over what they view as a slow or inadequate response from the hotel’s management. According to the Nigerian reports, members of the cleaning staff at the Marriott have been informally blamed by players, although no official confirmation of any wrongdoing has been made public and no individuals have been named.
The incident has come at a delicate time for the reigning African champions as they finalise their preparations in Morocco ahead of their opening match of the tournament against Malawi.
Focus on title defence
Nigeria, the most successful team in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, are in camp in Casablanca as they look to defend the continental title they currently hold.
The alleged theft has added an unwelcome off-field distraction, but the squad are expected to turn their attention back to football with their first competitive fixture of the competition fast approaching.
Team officials have not publicly commented in detail on the reports, and there is no indication yet of any formal police investigation or of whether the stolen money has been recovered.
However, Nigerian outlets report that frustration within the camp has been compounded by what some players see as a lack of urgency from hotel authorities in addressing their complaints and attempting to resolve the matter.
No impact on fixtures
Despite the disruption, there has been no suggestion that Nigeria’s participation in the tournament will be affected, and preparations for their opener against Malawi are continuing.
The Super Falcons will be expected to mount another strong challenge for the trophy, even as they deal with the fallout from an off-field issue that has overshadowed the final days of their build-up in Morocco.
