FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Rise to 36th, Retain Africa’s No. 1 Position

Nigeria’s women’s national team, the Nigeria women’s national football team, have moved up to 36th position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, maintaining their status as the highest-ranked women’s football team in Africa.

The updated ranking released by FIFA on Tuesday shows a slight improvement from 37th place in December 2025, reflecting steady progress in recent international performances and preparations for upcoming competitions.

The ranking update also factors in Nigeria’s recent pre-Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) friendly matches against Cameroon. The Super Falcons recorded a 1–0 defeat in February 2026 but responded strongly with a convincing 3–1 victory in March 2026.

In the second encounter, Nigeria produced a more dominant display after an early setback in the first match. Chinwendu Ihezuo equalised in the 32nd minute with a header from a precise cross by Rinsola Babajide.

Just before half-time, Babajide turned scorer, finishing from close range after a goalmouth scramble to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead. The Super Falcons sealed the win in the 64th minute when Michelle Alozie powered in a header from a delivery by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

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The result boosted Nigeria’s FIFA ranking points by 3.35, bringing their total to 1602 in April 2026. However, the team remains slightly below the 1607 points recorded in December 2025.

Despite this minor dip in points, the Super Falcons continue to dominate African women’s football, staying ahead of rivals South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco, who are ranked 58th, 59th, and 62nd respectively in the world.

The Super Falcons’ consistency reinforces their reputation as the most successful women’s national team in Africa, with a record number of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles and regular appearances at global tournaments.

On the global stage, Spain remain top of the FIFA Women’s Ranking, followed by the United States, England, Germany, and Japan, underscoring the competitive gap between elite European teams and African sides.

The latest ranking is expected to boost morale within the Nigerian squad as they continue preparations for upcoming qualifiers and major international competitions.

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Rise to 36th, Retain Africa’s No. 1 Position

Man City Beat Arsenal 2–1 to Ignite Premier League Title Race

Manchester City produced a crucial 2–1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium to tighten the Premier League title race, leaving the champions just three points behind with a game in hand.

The result has intensified the battle for the EPL title, as both sides continue to push for top spot in one of the most closely contested seasons in recent years.

Manchester City started brightly in the high-stakes encounter, creating early pressure and testing Arsenal’s defence with quick attacking transitions. The breakthrough came through Rayan Cherki, who produced a moment of individual brilliance inside the penalty area after earlier hitting the post. His skillful control and composed finish put City ahead in front of their home fans.

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Arsenal responded almost immediately, equalising just 107 seconds later in a dramatic twist. A mistake from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma led to a rushed clearance that struck Kai Havertz and deflected into the net, restoring parity in a tense first half.

The second half remained highly competitive, with both teams creating major chances. Erling Haaland hit the post for City, while Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze also went close as momentum swung back and forth.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães later saw a header deflected onto the post, and Havertz missed a clear scoring opportunity that could have given Arsenal the lead.

City eventually found the decisive goal through Haaland, who reacted quickest inside the box to finish from close range and restore City’s advantage. His strike proved to be the match-winner in a tightly contested title showdown.

Despite late pressure from Arsenal, Manchester City held firm defensively, managing the game with experience and control to secure a vital three points.

The victory significantly tightens the Premier League title race, with City now only three points behind Arsenal and holding a game in hand, setting up a dramatic conclusion to the season.

Man City Beat Arsenal 2–1 to Ignite Premier League Title Race

Former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima Dies at 74

Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, has died at the age of 74.

Galadima, one of Nigeria’s most respected football administrators, passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy that significantly shaped the country’s domestic football structure and sports governance.

He led the then Nigeria Football Association (now NFF) between 2002 and 2006, a period widely regarded as influential in the development of football administration in the country.

His death has triggered widespread tributes from across the Nigerian football community, with current NFF President Ibrahim Gusau describing him as a mentor and father figure to many sports administrators.

Gusau said Galadima’s leadership was marked by integrity, discipline, and commitment to the growth of Nigerian football.

“Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was a mentor to so many of us in various leadership positions in Nigerian sports today. He was the epitome of high dignity, diligence, and integrity,” Gusau said.

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He added that Galadima’s guidance and fatherly counsel would be deeply missed by the Nigerian football family.

Galadima, born on June 14, 1951, in Kano State, had a long career in sports administration and public service. He previously served as chairman of the Kano State Football Association and executive chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, and also held the position of first vice president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

He also served in various political roles in Kano State, including Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, as well as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport.

Former Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars general manager Ahmed Musa also paid tribute, describing Galadima as a father figure and key architect in the development of Kano Pillars Football Club.

“Alhaji Galadima was more than just a football administrator; he was a father figure, a mentor, and a pillar of the game in Nigeria,” Musa wrote on X.

Musa added that Galadima’s vision played a key role in shaping Kano Pillars FC and nurturing young talents who went on to represent Nigeria at various levels.

Across the football community, Galadima is remembered for his contributions to sports development, talent discovery, and institutional growth within Nigerian football.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.

Former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima Dies at 74