Nigeria’s Super Falcons have again proved why they remain the leading force in African women’s football after keeping their place as the number one team on the continent in the latest FIFA rankings.
The nine-time African champions also remain 36th in the world, a position that underlines their steady place among the strongest women’s teams globally. The ranking comes at an important time for the team as preparations continue for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be staged in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.
For Nigeria, the ranking is more than just a number. It gives the team another lift ahead of a tournament where expectations will be high. The Super Falcons have long carried the weight of being Africa’s most successful women’s football side, and their current standing shows that they are still the team others are chasing.
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South Africa’s Banyana Banyana remain Nigeria’s closest threat on the continent. The reigning African champions have improved after recovering from a previous setback and are now ranked 57th in the world. Their rise keeps the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa firmly alive, especially as both teams are expected to be among the strongest contenders in Morocco.
Other African sides, however, suffered slight drops in the rankings. Ghana slipped to 60th in the world, while Morocco, who will host the tournament, dropped to 64th. Zambia, one of Nigeria’s rivals in Group C, also fell to 65th.
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi. It is a group that will test Nigeria’s quality, focus and depth. Zambia have grown into one of the most dangerous sides in African women’s football in recent years, while Egypt and Malawi will also be eager to make their mark.
Nigeria will go into the tournament with clear ambition. The first target will be to advance from the group, but the bigger goal is to reach the semi-finals. That stage carries major importance because the four semi-finalists at the 2026 WAFCON will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
There will also be another route through the play-offs, but Nigeria will not want to depend on that. The Super Falcons will aim to secure qualification in strong fashion and send a message that they are still Africa’s benchmark team.
On the world stage, Spain continue to lead the FIFA rankings after building on their recent success. They are followed by the United States, Germany, England and Japan. France, Brazil, Sweden, Canada and the Netherlands complete the global top 10.
For the Super Falcons, the latest ranking is a boost. But the real test will come in Morocco, where they must turn their status into results.
