Nigeria’s Super Falcons have dropped one place to 37th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, according to the newest list released on Thursday. Despite this slight decline, they remain the highest-ranked women’s national team in Africa.
The Falcons had held 36th position for six consecutive ranking cycles before this drop. Their most recent results — a 2–0 win away to Benin Republic and a 1–1 home draw in Abeokuta during WAFCON qualifying — were enough to secure qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations but not to boost their global ranking.
Nigeria’s inactivity during the most recent international window — when they did not play friendly matches — allowed other African teams to gain ranking points, narrowing the gap behind them. South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Morocco all played competitive fixtures that improved their positions.
The updated ranking still places several African sides among the continent’s top teams, with South Africa (55th), Ghana (62nd), Zambia (64th) and Morocco (66th) rounding out the top five. Globally, Spain remain the number-one women’s national team, followed by the United States, Germany, England and Sweden at the top of the table.
Looking ahead, the Falcons will be aiming to regain global ground as they prepare for major upcoming competitions, including WAFCON in Morocco next year.
Editorial
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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have long been the standard-bearers of African women’s football a distinction born from decades of continental success, unbroken World Cup qualifications and a trophy cabinet rich with Africa Women’s Cup of Nations titles. That they have slipped just one spot to 37th in the latest FIFA rankings is not a signal of decline, but rather a reminder of football’s fluid mathematics and the growing competitive pulse across Africa.
Rankings are often a cold calculus influenced as much by achievement. In this cycle, the Falcons’ inactivity while rivals played friendlies and qualifiers meant that other teams accrued valuable points. It does not diminish the quality of the Nigerian side; instead, it highlights the progress of others. South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Morocco have shown that African women’s football is no longer a duopoly but an increasingly crowded field where margins of improvement are narrow and rewards for consistency are steep.
Yet what sets the Super Falcons apart remains their historical pedigree and cultural influence. They are not just a football team they are a pillar of identity, resilience, and aspiration for millions of African girls across the continent. Their current ranking still comfortably ahead of every other African side underscores that foundation.
What lies ahead must be met with preparation, not panic. Rankings ebb and flow with fixture lists, but what sustains greatness is intent and investment. As the Falcons ready themselves for another WAFCON campaign and the long road toward global tournaments, their objective should be clear sharpen their edge, schedule consistent competition, and prove that Africa’s number one in women’s football is still a title earned in performance not simply retained on paper.
Did You Know?
- The Super Falcons’ recent move from 36th to 37th ended their six-cycle hold on the 36th spot but didn’t change their status as the continent’s top-ranked women’s side.
- Their ranking was affected by inactivity during the last FIFA international window, while several African rivals gained points through competitive fixtures.
- Nigeria’s nearest African competitors in the rankings — South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Morocco — are all inside the top 70 globally, reflecting increased competitiveness within the region.
- The Super Falcons have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) a record ten times, more than any other African nation — a legacy that bolsters their continental standing despite recent slight ranking shifts.
- Globally, the FIFA Women’s World Rankings are topped by Spain, followed by the United States, Germany, England and Sweden, illustrating the depth and global spread of women’s football talent.
