Nigeria’s Super Falcons have maintained their 36th place in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on Thursday, following their triumphant campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they clinched a record-extending 10th continental title.
Despite notable shifts globally — including Spain overtaking the United States to reclaim top spot and Bangladesh making a historic 24-place surge — Nigeria’s dominance in Africa kept their position steady from the previous ranking in June. The Falcons remain Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team by a comfortable margin.
Their ranking points improved from 1,623.29 to 1,630.83, buoyed by an unbeaten WAFCON run that saw them record five wins and one draw.
The team began the July international window with a goalless friendly against Portugal in Lisbon before switching focus to the WAFCON. In Group B, they recorded assured victories over Tunisia and Botswana, followed by a draw against Algeria after already securing top spot.
In the knockout rounds, Nigeria crushed Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals, avenging their third-place defeat to the Copper Queens in 2022. They edged defending champions South Africa 2-1 in the semi-finals before producing a stunning comeback in the final — overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in one of the most memorable matches in tournament history.
Elsewhere in Africa, South Africa retained their 54th place globally and second spot in Africa despite dropping 22.92 points after failing to win a knockout game. Morocco fell one place to 64th, while Zambia remained 65th with a modest points gain. Ghana slipped slightly to 67th, while Cameroon and Ivory Coast dropped to 66th and 71st respectively after inactive periods.
Botswana emerged as Africa’s biggest climber, rising seven places to 146th after earning 32.15 points despite losing all three of their WAFCON matches by narrow margins.
Globally, Spain reclaimed top spot following their run to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, pushing the United States to second. France rose to sixth, while Brazil fell to seventh despite winning the Copa América Femenina. Bangladesh was the standout mover worldwide, climbing 24 places with an 80.51-point boost after advancing to the AFC final qualifying round for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
FIFA noted that 196 international matches were played during the ranking window, driving changes across all confederations. The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking will be published on December 11, 2025.
