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

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