FIFA ranking: Nigeria’s Super Falcons hold firm as Africa’s best; South Africa’s Banyana Banyana fall

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have retained their status as Africa’s best women’s football team in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The nine-time African champions remain unmoved in 36th place globally, despite not playing any matches since the previous rankings were published on December 13, 2024.

The absence of competitive action due to club football commitments has not affected the Super Falcons’ standing as the continent’s highest-ranked side.

Reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions South Africa hold on to second place in Africa but slipped four spots in the global rankings to 54th position.

Morocco complete the continent’s top three, sitting in 60th place worldwide, while Zambia dropped two places to 64th but remain fourth-best in Africa.

South Africa could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s dominance later this year, with the next WAFCON tournament offering a chance for the Banyana Banyana to close the gap. A successful title defence could see the South Africans overtake the Super Falcons as Africa’s number one team.

Blessed with top talents like Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Tony Payne, Ifeoma Onumonu, Rasheedat Ajibade, and the legendary Aishat Oshoala, Nigeria, though will be keep to reclaim the title they last won in 2018.

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Globally, the United States continue to lead the standings, with reigning world champions Spain in second. Germany and England retain third and fourth places, while Japan climb to fifth, pushing Sweden down to sixth.

Elsewhere, Kenya recorded one of the biggest gains on the continent, jumping seven places to 142nd, while Tunisia endured the steepest fall, dropping 11 spots to 89th after losing 43.79 points. Djibouti achieved their highest-ever ranking, climbing to 195th position.

The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking will be released on 12 June 2025, with the Super Falcons aiming to climb higher ahead of the highly anticipated WAFCON tournament.