FIFA Rankings: Nigeria’s Super Falcons hold top spot in Africa as WAFCON rivals suffer mixed fortunes

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have maintained their position as Africa’s highest-ranked women’s football team in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on Thursday — despite a quiet spell on the international stage, Footynaija.com reports.

The nine-time African champions stay rooted in 36th place globally, remaining the continent’s best side after going over eight months without competitive action. The lack of games since December’s ranking has not dented their standing, keeping them ahead of their closest rivals.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana — the reigning Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions — experienced a dip in the rankings.

While they retain second spot in Africa, they dropped four places on the global list to 54th.

WAFCON hosts Morocco sit third in Africa and 60th worldwide, while Zambia slipped two places to 64th, rounding off the continent’s top four teams.

Super Falcons hit the dance floor after being treated to a Nigerian music at a warm reception in Reims this evening. #FIFAWWC #SoarSuperFalcons #Team9jastrong @thenff pic.twitter.com/yTqinznM9R

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) June 4, 2019

On the global stage, the United States continue to lead the rankings, ahead of Spain, Germany, and England. Japan’s rise to fifth place came at Sweden’s expense, pushing the Scandinavians into sixth.

Elsewhere, Kenya made significant progress, climbing seven places to 142nd, while Tunisia endured one of the biggest drops — sliding 11 spots to 89th. There was cause for celebration for Djibouti, who achieved their highest-ever FIFA ranking at 195th.

Nigeria’s next two matches are against the Benin Republic women national team in October, while the next FIFA Women’s World Ranking will be unveiled on 12 June 2025.