NIGERIA’s Super Falcons have dropped to 37th position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on Thursday, but remain Africa’s highest-ranked team.
The ten-time African champions had held the 36th spot for six consecutive rankings before slipping one place, despite securing qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 away win and 1-1 home draw against Benin Republic.
The Falcons continue to lead the African standings, with South Africa second on the continent but dropping to 55th globally. Ghana are third in Africa and climbed five places to 62nd in the world, while Zambia and Morocco complete the top five at 64th and 66th respectively.
Globally, Spain retain top spot, with the United States second and Germany climbing to third. England remain fourth while Sweden round out the top five.
The ranking comes amid growing frustration over the team’s lack of competitive action, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, defender Ashleigh Plumptre and forward Rinsola Babajide expressing disappointment on social media during the recent FIFA international window.
The trio shared a post reading, “AFCON loading, zero friendlies confirmed,” highlighting Nigeria’s failure to secure any matches during the window that ran until December 2.
In contrast, Ghana secured a high-profile friendly against England, while Zambia, Kenya and South Africa also arranged fixtures to maximise the preparation period.
The Falcons are expected to defend their WAFCON crown in Morocco, with the tournament also serving as qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will earn automatic spots, with two more heading to intercontinental play-offs.
Aside from their unbeaten WAFCON qualifying campaign in July, the team have played only three matches this year, with preparations not expected to resume until February 2026, just weeks before the tournament kicks off in March.
