The Super Falcons' preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have been disrupted by an unfortunate incident off the pitch, with several players losing cash to theft at the team's hotel in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria's senior women's national team are currently putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the continental tournament after arriving in Casablanca earlier this week.
After defeating Tanzania in a friendly four days ago, the defending champions face Malawi in their opening Group C fixture as they begin the quest for a record-extending 11th African title.
However, attention has temporarily shifted away from football after reports emerged that members of the squad were allegedly robbed while staying at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, with the players discovering that money had gone missing from their wallets after leaving their rooms.
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Super Falcons lament theft ahead of WAFCON 2026 opener
Several members of the Super Falcons had cash stolen from their hotel rooms while they were away, with some of the hotel's cleaning staff accused of carrying out the theft.
Forward Esther Okoronkwo is the biggest victim, having lost $700, while Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade is said to have had $200 stolen.
Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale lost $100, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde another $100, while Joy Omewa had $120 taken from her belongings.
The combined amount stolen from the affected players stands at $1,220. Okoronkwo confirmed the incident on social media, expressing frustration at the response from those confronted over the missing money.
“We started talking to them but they don't have any respect,” the Super Falcons forward wrote on her Snapchat story.
As of the time of writing, neither the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) nor the Marriott Hotel Casablanca has released an official statement regarding the incident or confirmed whether a formal investigation has been launched.
Despite the setback, the Super Falcons are expected to remain focused on their title defence.
Justine Madugu's side will begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, at Stade El Rabid, before taking on Zambia and Egypt in their remaining Group C fixtures as they seek another successful run at Africa's biggest women's football tournament.
