The Super Falcons of Nigeria have recorded their lowest FIFA ranking points in three years despite moving up one place in the latest women’s world rankings.
The nine-time African champions climbed from 37th to 36th but dropped from 1607 points in December 2025 to 1602 — their lowest tally since June 2023.
However, after reaching the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and pushing England to penalties, they rose to 32nd with 1649 points.
Since then, inconsistent results and limited international matches have caused a steady decline.
Despite this, Nigeria remain Africa’s top-ranked women’s team ahead of South Africa, Morocco, Zambia and Ghana.
On global standing, Spain remain first, followed by the United States. England have overtaken Germany into third place, while Japan have climbed to fifth ahead of Sweden, France and Brazil.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July. At the last edition in 2022, Nigeria finished fourth but secured qualification for the World Cup.
The Falcons have played only two matches this year — losing 1-0 to Cameroon before winning 3-1 in the return leg.
With no confirmed June fixtures, captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have both questioned the team’s level of preparation ahead of the tournament.
