The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the suspect arrested over the theft of cash belonging to members of the Super Falcons during their stay in Casablanca, Morocco has been sentenced to six months in prison, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The incident occurred at the team’s hotel in Casablanca on the final day of their training camp before they departed for Rabat ahead of their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo had disclosed on social media that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among the players whose money was stolen from their hotel rooms.
According to Okoronkwo, more than $1,000 was taken during the incident. She also criticised the hotel management for what she described as its poor handling of the matter after the players reported the theft.
Following her revelation, Okoronkwo became the target of racist abuse and online attacks from some Moroccan social media users, prompting widespread condemnation from football fans and stakeholders.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF condemned the abuse directed at the midfielder while revealing that the individual responsible for the theft had been arrested, confessed to the crime, returned the stolen cash and was subsequently jailed.
“Discrimination in any form has no place in football or society,” the federation said.
“The racist abuse and emojis directed at our player make absolutely no sense, especially as the individual responsible for the theft was apprehended, made to return the stolen cash in full, and sentenced to six months in prison.
“The safety, dignity, and well-being of our players remain our utmost priority.”
Despite the incident, the 10-time African champions have remained focused on their campaign in Morocco, with Okoronkwo defiantly replying to the abusers to watch out for the team on the pitch.
The AFC Toronto player was one of the most influential players in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th title triumph last year, bagging seven assists and two goals.
