Super Falcons static in latest FIFA ranking

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have retained their 36th position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, despite a disappointing showing at the Paris Olympic Games earlier this month, according to Soccernet.ng.

Released by FIFA on Friday, August 16, 2024, the rankings show that the Super Falcons have held their pre-Olympics spot.

In Africa, Nigeria continues to lead as the top-ranked team, followed closely by South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. Morocco, Zambia, and Ghana round out the continent’s top five.

The Falcons’ ranking mirrors their challenging experience in Paris, where they faced formidable opponents.

Drawn into a tough group featuring Olympic finalists Brazil, reigning world champions Spain, and Asian powerhouses Japan, Nigeria had a difficult journey from the outset.

They narrowly lost their opening match 1-0 to Brazil and suffered another 1-0 defeat to Spain.

In their final group game, Nigeria was defeated 3-1 by Japan, ending their Olympic campaign at the bottom of the group.

Zambia, Africa’s other representative in Paris, saw an improvement in their FIFA ranking, climbing to 62nd place despite also losing all three of their group matches.

South Africa and Tunisia were among the other African teams to make gains, with Banyana Banyana now ranked 50th and Tunisia moving up to 58th.

Globally, the United States reclaimed the top spot after winning the Olympic gold, while Brazil’s silver medal boosted them to eighth place.

Spain, despite a strong showing, dropped to third, with England moving up to second. Germany and Sweden complete the world’s top five.

The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking is set to be released on December 20, 2024.