Nigeria’s Super Falcons have slipped one place to 37th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, released on Thursday.
Despite the slight fall, the nine-time African champions remain the highest-ranked team on the continent.
The fall came despite the team recently qualifying for the 2026 WAFCON with a 2–0 win in Benin and a 1–1 draw in Abuja.
Behind the Falcons, South Africa stays second in Africa but falls to 55th globally, while Ghana jumps five places to 62nd. Zambia (64th) and Morocco (66th) complete Africa’s top five.
On the world stage, Spain retains the No. 1 spot, followed by the United States, while Germany rises to third. England and Sweden sit fourth and fifth, respectively.
Nigeria’s ranking slump comes against a backdrop of rising frustration from key players over the team’s stalled preparations for the 2025 AFCON. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, defender Ashleigh Plumptre, and forward Rinsola Babajide publicly criticised the situation during the most recent FIFA window, posting the pointed message: “AFCON loading, zero friendlies confirmed.”
The Falcons were inactive while regional rivals arranged games: Ghana faced England, and Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa all secured fixtures to take advantage of the window.
Nigeria, the defending champions, will attempt to retain their title at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, a tournament that doubles as qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams will qualify automatically, with two more heading to the intercontinental play-offs.
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