FIFA Women’s Rankings: Super Falcons stay unchallenged as Africa’s No. 1

• Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain Africa’s top-ranked women’s football team, holding 36th place in the latest FIFA rankings
• South Africa’s Banyana Banyana (53rd) remain Nigeria’s closest rivals, with Morocco, Zambia, and Ghana following behind
• The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking update is scheduled for 12 June 2025, with Nigeria aiming to improve their standing before WAFCON

Nigeria’s Super Falcons continue to prove their dominance in African women’s football, holding firm at 36th place globally in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking released on March 6, 2025. 

Despite mixed results in recent fixtures, the Super Falcons remained the top-ranked African side, proving their standing as the continent’s most successful women’s national team.

On the African scene, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana (53rd), Morocco (61st), Zambia (62nd), and Ghana (66th) trailed Nigeria. 

While the rankings saw little movement for the top teams, South Africa remained the closest challenger to Nigeria’s dominance, with many anticipating a potential change in continental dominance at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) between the two countries.

Super Falcons' performance during the review period

During the ranking review period, the Super Falcons put in impressive displays, securing commanding 2-0 and 4-1 victories over Algeria. 

However, their unbeaten run was briefly halted by a 2-1 defeat to France, one of the world’s strongest teams at the last World Cup. 

Despite the loss, Nigeria’s consistency in African competitions kept them at the top of the continental rankings. With star players like Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Tony Payne, Ifeoma Onumonu, Rasheedat Ajibade, and the legendary Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria remains a force to be reckoned with. 

The team, boasting a record eleven WAFCON titles, was keen to reclaim the continental crown after last winning it in 2018, when they defeated South Africa in the final.

Super Falcon’s legacy in women’s football

The Super Falcons have long been the pride of African women’s football. They remain the only team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to have reached the quarterfinals of both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics. 

Additionally, they are one of the few teams worldwide to have qualified for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with their best finish being a quarterfinal appearance in 1999.

With the next FIFA Women’s World Ranking set for 12 June 2025, the Super Falcons would be eager to climb higher ahead of the much-anticipated WAFCON tournament, where South Africa could pose a serious challenge.

Waldrum resigns after 4-year stint with Super Falcons, cites important reasons

Previously, TheRadar reported that Randy Waldrum, head coach of the Super Falcons, tendered his resignation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). 

Having guided the Nigerian women’s national football team since 2020, Waldrum’s exit comes just after leading the team to a round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a recent appearance at the 2024 Olympic Games.