Despite missing the April international window, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have moved up to 36th in the latest FIFA women’s world ranking and remain the number one team in Africa.
However, the small rise hides a drop in performance points. In the latest ranking released by FIFA, Nigeria now have 1,602 points, down from 1,607 in December 2025.
Nigeria still lead Africa by a wide margin, sitting more than 20 places above South Africa, who are ranked 58th. Ghana, Morocco and Zambia complete Africa’s top five.
On the global list, Spain remain first, followed by the United States. England have moved above Germany into third place, while Japan climbed to fifth ahead of Sweden, France and Brazil.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing over Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as the team did not play during the April international break.
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So far, the Falcons have played only two friendly matches against Cameroon in March. They lost the first game 1-0 but bounced back to win the second 3-1.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place from July 25 to August 16 and will also serve as qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
In addition, Nigeria have not yet announced opponents for the June international window, which many see as their final chance to prepare for the tournament.
Since qualifying for the 2026 WAFCON last October, the Falcons have gathered only once for the two friendly matches in Yaoundé against Cameroon.
