Nigeria’s Super Falcons have dropped one place to 37th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, released on Thursday. Despite the slip, the ten-time African champions remain the highest-ranked team on the continent. The Falcons had occupied 36th position for six straight ranking updates before their slight decline, even after qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2–0 away win and a 1–1 home draw against Benin Republic.
Across Africa, South Africa remain second on the continent but sit 55th globally. Ghana moved up five places to rank 62nd, while Zambia and Morocco complete the top five at 64th and 66th. Globally, Spain continue to lead the world rankings, followed by the United States. Germany have climbed to third, with England and Sweden completing the top five.
The new ranking comes at a time when players and fans are expressing concern over the team’s lack of preparation matches. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Ashleigh Plumptre and Rinsola Babajide recently voiced their frustration on social media after Nigeria failed to arrange any friendly games during the FIFA international window that ended on December 2. Meanwhile, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya and South Africa all secured fixtures to utilise the break.
The Falcons are expected to defend their WAFCON title in Morocco in March 2026, a tournament that also serves as qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Only four teams will earn automatic World Cup spots, while two others head to intercontinental play-offs. With just three matches played this year, Nigeria’s preparations are not expected to resume until February 2026, leaving a tight window before the competition begins.
