FIFA ranking: Super falcons slip to 37th, still Africa’s Top Team

The Nigeria women’s national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, has experienced a slight setback in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, dropping one spot to 37th position globally. Despite the dip in ranking, the Super Falcons remain the top-ranked team in Africa, a testament to their dominance on the continent.

The latest ranking comes hot on the heels of the team’s record-extending 10th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, which they won in style in Morocco from July 5 to 26. In a thrilling final, the Super Falcons staged a remarkable comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2. The match was a masterclass performance from the Nigerian team, with Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade making key contributions to the victory.

The Super Falcons’ dominant run in the tournament was a testament to their strength and resilience. They thrashed Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals, edged out South Africa 2-1 in the semifinals, and topped off their group-stage campaign with wins over Botswana and Cape Verde, as well as a 0-0 draw with Algeria.

Despite the impressive AFCON campaign, the Super Falcons were unable to translate their success into a significant jump in the FIFA rankings, slipping one spot from 36th to 37th. However, the team’s status as Africa’s top-ranked team remains unchanged, a reflection of their consistent dominance on the continent.

The latest ranking is a minor blip on the radar for the Super Falcons, who will be looking to build on their AFCON triumph and make a mark on the global stage. With their eyes set on future tournaments, the team will be keen to translate their continental success into global recognition.