Nigeria slip one place globally despite dominant 2025 performances and WAFCON triumph.

Super Falcons

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have fallen from 36th to 37th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings released on Thursday but they still remain the top-ranked team in Africa.

The slight drop comes despite a brilliant 2025 in which the record 10-time African champions clinched the 2024 WAFCON title after a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over hosts Morocco.

Highlights:

  • Dropped to 37th globally, down from 36th.
  • Still No. 1 in Africa.
  • Won a record 10th WAFCON title in Morocco.
  • Completed a strong 2026 WAFCON qualifying run (3–1 on aggregate vs Benin).
  • Inactivity during the last FIFA window contributed to the ranking drop.

A Year of Dominance:

The Falcons delivered an outstanding WAFCON campaign:

  • 5–0 quarterfinal win vs Zambia
  • 2–1 semifinal victory over South Africa
  • Group-stage wins vs Botswana and Cape Verde
  • A goalless draw vs Algeria
  • A dramatic final comeback to beat Morocco 3–2 with key contributions from Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade

Their WAFCON success highlighted their status as Africa’s strongest side.

Recent Activity:

In October 2025, they resumed competitive action, defeating the Republic of Benin 3–1 on aggregate in the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.
However, no matches during the last FIFA international window contributed to their minor slide in the global ranking.

Top Teams in Africa:

  1. Nigeria
  2. South Africa
  3. Ghana
  4. Zambia
  5. Morocco

Global Top 5:

  1. Spain
  2. USA
  3. Germany
  4. England
  5. Sweden