Nigeria’s Super Falcons will enter the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as the highest ranked team on the continent after retaining their position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking.
The rankings, released ahead of the tournament in Morocco, confirmed that the reigning African champions remain 36th in the world and continue to hold top spot among African nations despite failing to make any upward movement globally.
Justin Madugu’s side had hoped their recent international performances would provide a rankings boost after recording back-to-back victories over Senegal earlier this month.
The Super Falcons edged the Lionesses 2-1 in the first meeting before producing a more dominant display to secure a 3-0 victory three days later. However, the results were not enough to move Nigeria above Serbia, Ukraine and Czech Republic, who remain immediately ahead of them in the standings.
Despite remaining static, Nigeria continues to sit comfortably ahead of several emerging nations in women’s football, including Vietnam, Slovenia, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei and Jamaica.
South Africa Banyana Banyana
While Nigeria maintained their continental leadership, some of their biggest rivals experienced mixed fortunes.
South Africa, the defending WAFCON runners-up, climbed one place to 57th in the world rankings after a remarkable international window.
Banyana Banyana suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Japan before responding impressively to defeat the Asian giants 1-0 in the return fixture, a result that helped them gain ground in the latest rankings.
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Ghana, meanwhile, slipped one place to 60th globally but remain among the leading contenders heading into the tournament.
Hosts Morocco also dropped a position to 64th in the world despite preparing to challenge for a first continental title on home soil. Zambia, another team expected to compete deep into the tournament, slipped to 65th despite recording a convincing 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe during the international break.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons
The rankings underline the quality of opposition Nigeria will face during the competition.
The Super Falcons have been drawn alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in the group stage, with Zambia representing the highest-ranked side among their opponents.
Egypt currently occupy 99th place in the FIFA rankings, while Malawi sit 158th.
With the expanded 16-team tournament scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco, Nigeria will be aiming to defend the continental crown and extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
The competition also carries added significance as it will influence qualification pathways and preparations for future FIFA Women’s World Cup campaigns.
Spain women’s Team. Photocredit: Imago
At the summit of the global rankings, Spain continue to hold the number one position following their consistent performances over the past year.
The United States remain second, with Germany, England and Japan completing the top five.
France moved up to sixth place ahead of Brazil, while Sweden, Canada and the Netherlands rounded out the world’s top 10 teams.
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Despite fierce competition from South Africa, Morocco, Ghana and Zambia, the Super Falcons remain Africa’s benchmark heading into WAFCON 2026 and will arrive in Morocco carrying both the pressure and prestige that come with being the continent’s highest ranked side.
