‘Not in a positive way’- Randy Waldrum questions Super Falcons’ new FIFA ranking

Randy Waldrum giving instructions in Super Falcons match against England - Photo Credit || Imago

‘Not in a positive way’- Randy Waldrum questions Super Falcons’ new FIFA ranking

Joba Ogunwale 18:21 - 26.08.2023

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum is not impressed with the latest FIFA ranking, which was released on August 25.

Super Falcons coach Randy Wladrum has expressed his surprise at the latest FIFA Ranking following the conclusion of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. 

The new FIFA ranking was released on August 25, with Sweden going top and world champions Spain moving up to second ahead of the United States. 

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum unhappy with the new FIFA ranking

Nigeria’s Super Falcons also rose in the ranking, moving up eight places to the 32nd position in the world. 

The latest position sees the Super Falcons maintain their status as Africa’s number one nation in women’s football. 

A proud Randy Waldrum in Australia.
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has criticised the latest FIFA ranking (Photo Credit: Imago)

However, despite their rise, coach Waldrum is not too pleased, suggesting the nine-time African champions should have ranked higher after a strong World Cup campaign. 

The American tactician took to his Twitter page to express his surprise after the ranking came out on Friday. 

“Must say I am a little surprised at this to say the least..not in a positive way!” Randy Waldrum said on Twitter. 

Super Falcons’ brilliant World Cup 

Waldrum is right to question FIFA’s latest ranking, even though the Super Falcons moved up eight places. 

The nine-time African champions had their best World Cup since 1999, but are still ranked behind teams that failed to qualify for the Mundial. 

Nigeria finished the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup unbeaten despite going out in the round of 16. 

The Super Falcons kicked off their campaign with a goalless draw against Olympic champions Canada before recording a stunning 3-2 win over Australia in their second group game. 

The Super Falcons finished the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup unbeaten. Image Credit - (Imago)
The Super Falcons were the 10th best team at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Image Credit: (Imago)

They qualified for the round of 16 after playing a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland in their final group. 

Waldrum’s ladies then pushed beaten finalists England all the way in their round of 16 clash before losing on penalties. 

Still, the nine-time African champions are ranked below sides like the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Ireland, Finland and New Zealand. 

The next FIFA Women’s ranking will be published on December 15, 2023. 

Related content

Tags: