Nigeria women’s national football team climbed one place to 36th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings released on Tuesday, maintaining their position as Africa’s highest ranked side.
The move from 37th may appear minor, but it underlines Nigeria’s continued consistency at the top of the continental game at a time when competition across Africa is tightening.
The rankings reflect a relatively quiet international window, shaped largely by early pathways toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the build up to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
During that period, Nigeria faced Cameroon women’s national football team in a two match friendly series. They lost the first encounter 1-0 but responded with a 3-1 victory in the return fixture, a result that contributed to their points gain.
Nigeria remain clear at the top in Africa, but the margin is narrowing. South Africa women’s national football team, the closest challengers, dropped to 58th, while Ghana women’s national football team and Morocco women’s national football team continue to close the gap. Zambia women’s national football team remain within striking distance, highlighting the growing depth in the women’s game across the continent.
Further down the standings, Cameroon women’s national football team, Côte d’Ivoire women’s national football team and Algeria women’s national football team remain competitive, while Senegal women’s national football team and Mali women’s national football team continue to push upward.
Globally, Spain women’s national football team hold top spot, followed by the United States women’s national soccer team. England women’s national football team moved into third ahead of Germany women’s national football team.
Japan women’s national football team were among the biggest movers, climbing to fifth after an impressive continental campaign, while Brazil women’s national football team and France women’s national football team remain in close contention.
The latest rankings also reflected wider shifts across the global game, with emerging teams gaining ground and others slipping, a sign of increasing competitiveness worldwide.
For Nigeria, the message is clear. Staying at the top now requires more than reputation. With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations approaching and World Cup qualification at stake, consistency will be critical.
The Super Falcons remain the benchmark in Africa, but the gap is narrowing and the pressure is growing.
The next FIFA rankings are due in June, and with more competitive fixtures ahead, the landscape could yet change. For now, Nigeria retain their place at the summit, but holding it will demand sustained performance in a rapidly evolving game.
