Nigeria’s Super Falcons have slipped one place in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings but continue to lead the continent, maintaining their long-standing status as Africa’s top team.
The new ranking, released on Thursday morning, sees Nigeria move from 36th to 37th globally. Despite that small drop, the ten-time African champions remain ahead of every other women’s national team on the continent.
The revised ranking comes after a relatively quiet international window for Nigeria, who played only their WAFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic, winning 2-0 away before being held 1-1 in Abeokuta.
Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade.Photo Credit: Pooja
The results secured their ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations but were not enough to positively influence their global standing. With Nigeria inactive during the November–December window, their closest rivals seized the opportunity to sharpen form and strengthen ranking points.
Ghana, who finished third at the 2024 WAFCON after defeating South Africa on penalties, impressed despite a 2-0 defeat against England in a high-profile friendly. Their performance and earlier tournament success helped them climb five places globally to 62nd. That rise also sealed Ghana’s status as Africa’s third-best-ranked side.
Esther Okoronkwo celebrating Super Falcons first goal against Zambia in 2024 Wafcon quarter finals. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
South Africa and Morocco also made strong showings. The Bayana Bayana cruised to a 2-0 victory over Morocco on 2 December, just four days after the Atlas Lionesses were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe.
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Zambia similarly engaged in two friendlies, drawing 1-1 with Malawi and then beating Zimbabwe 3-1. Combined, these activities boosted the ranking points of Nigeria’s rivals, while the Falcons remained stationary, watching from home.
Oshoala scored the Super Falcons first goal at WAFCON 2024. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Nigeria inactive, the gap between them and the chasing pack narrowed. The African top five now stands: Nigeria (37th), South Africa (55th), Ghana (62nd), Zambia (64th), and Morocco (66th).
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In the world rankings Europe and North America dominate. Spain retain their place as the world’s No.1, followed by the United States. Germany climb to third, England remain fourth, and Sweden round out the top five. Brazil rise to sixth, while France drop to seventh. Japan (8th), DPR Korea (9th), and Canada (10th) complete the elite bracket.
