Former Nigeria international and Arsenal striker, Nwankwo Kanu, was robbed of over $11,000 after arriving in Russia for a FIFA legends vs Russia legends game in Kaliningrad on Sunday.
Kanu, 41, reported the money missing when he reached Kaliningrad for the game organized by the world football ruling body.
Russian police said the money was stolen by two loaders aged 30 and 36 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. The pair face criminal investigation which could see them sent to jail for up to six years.
Reacting to the incident, 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 assured.
Kanu played in Kaliningrad in a special “Relive the Legends” friendly match on Sunday as part of a team of FIFA Legends against a team of Russian veterans. Kanu’s team won 6-4.