By Elizabeth Godwin
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have maintained their 36th position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, despite claiming a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in commanding fashion.
FIFA released the new rankings on Thursday, offering a mixed picture for Africa’s top women’s teams. While Nigeria’s unbeaten run to the 2024 WAFCON crown solidified their dominance on the continent, it wasn’t enough to earn a move up the global standings.
Under coach Justin Madugu, the Super Falcons navigated the tournament without a single loss. They defeated South Africa in the semi-finals, saw off Zambia in the quarter-finals, and overcame Tunisia and Botswana in the group stage. Their only draw came against Algeria, while they edged out hosts Morocco in a tense and now controversial final to seal the title.
With this latest triumph, Nigeria now hold more continental titles (10) than any other women’s national team globally. By comparison, giants like the United States, Brazil, and China have each won their respective continental championships nine times.
Despite this record-setting achievement, Nigeria’s global position has remained unchanged since March 2024. Their all-time highest ranking was 23rd, achieved in 2005. Nevertheless, the Super Falcons remain Africa’s top-ranked women’s team.
Elsewhere in Africa, South Africa – the 2022 champions – are second on the continent and 54th in the world. Morocco, the 2024 WAFCON runners-up, fell four places to 64th but retain third spot among African nations.
Other top African sides include Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Algeria, and Senegal, who complete the continent’s top 10.
Globally, Spain reclaimed the No. 1 position despite losing to England in the UEFA Women’s Euro final. The United States dropped to second, followed by Sweden in third and England in fourth. Germany, France, and Brazil round out the top seven, with Japan, Canada, and North Korea completing the global top 10.
