Former Nigeria Captain, Nwankwo Kanu, has been robbed of £8,000 in the city where Super Eagles are to play their opening Group D match against Croatia on June 16.
TASS Russian News Agency reported that the money was stolen from Kanu’s luggage by the baggage handlers at the Khrabrovo Airport.
“When Kanu discovered that the money was stolen when he got to his hotel, he promptly made a report and the two airport staff were detained on suspicion of stealing the money from the Nigeria legend.”
Lieutenant Colonel Irina Volk, spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry, said the loaders were dealing with the baggage from a London to Moscow flight.
“The stolen cash was removed (from the loaders) and will soon be returned to the owner”, she said.
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.
“Kaliningrad is a very nice city with very nice people,” said Nwankwo Kanu.
“ Nigeria will be a big surprise, for sure. We have good young and talented players; they are hungry for victories and want to do well – for themselves and for the country,” Kanu was quoted as saying to UK’s Mirror newspaper.
