Former Super Eagles of Nigeria and Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu had £8,230 in cash stolen from his suitcase in Moscow after he arrived from London, says report coming from Russia.
Russian News Agency, TASS reports that US$11,000 (approximately N4 million) was stolen from him.
It was gathered that Kanu was allegedly robbed by two loaders at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport while on his way to another Russian city that will host the Nigerian squad’s 2018 FIFA World Cup opening match.
The 41-year-old Nigerian reported the money missing when he reached Kaliningrad – one of 11 Russian cities to host the tournament that kicks off in less than two weeks – where he was playing in a World Cup curtain raiser game organised by FIFA.
“Two baggage handlers were detained after Kanu discovered that he was missing $11,000 upon receiving his bags and checking in at a hotel in Kaliningrad,” Russia’s Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
“Two handlers who unloaded baggage from the London-to-Moscow flight and stole the money from the passenger’s luggage have been identified and detained,” the ministry said in an online statement.
The Interior Ministry later confirmed the former Arsenal striker’s identity to the state-run TASS and RIA news agencies.
The Nigerian football legend was particularly impressed with the state of the pitches at the World Cup venues in Russia
Lt-Col Irina Volk, spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry, said the loaders were dealing with the baggage from a London to Moscow flight.
Kanu, travelling on a British passport, had appealed for help to police in Kaliningrad.
Vokm said: “The stolen cash was removed [by the loaders] and will soon be returned to the owner.”
Mash online news outlet reported:
“The World Cup has not even begun yet, but world soccer celebrities already require the help of Russian police.”
The loaders, aged 30 and 36, face criminal investigation and could be sent to jail for up to six years.
Kanu played alongside ex-Manchester United and England star Wes Brown in a FIFA legends team against a Russian legends side.
The ex-Arsenal man, a former Nigerian international, did not mention the theft in speaking to the media in the Baltic city, where England will play on 28 June.
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