Nigeria’s Super Falcons have dropped one spot to 37th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, the nine-time African champions retained their spot as the number-one football nation on the continent.
Nigeria's fresh slip ends a six-ranking run in 36th place, yet their dominance in Africa continues to hold strong despite intensified competition across 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. The results secured their ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations but were not enough to positively influence their global standing.
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Nigeria: Rivals gain momentum as Super Falcons sit out friendlies
While Nigeria were inactive during the November–December international 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.
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.
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.
With 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).
Spain lead the world as Falcons face tough road ahead
Globally, the top positions remain dominated by Europe and North America. 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.
For Nigeria, the challenge intensifies ahead of next year’s WAFCON in Morocco. With rivals actively preparing, and the host nation determined to avenge their 2024 final loss, the Super Falcons will require peak performance to defend their crown and secure an unprecedented 11th continental title.
