Still 36th? Super Falcons' WAFCON 2024 win snubbed in latest FIFA Rankings

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have remained 36th in the world in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, despite their historic heroics at the recent WAFCON 2024 tournament, continuing as Africa’s top-ranked women’s national team.

Their recent success on the continental stage did not translate into upward movement in the global rankings, showing the complexities behind the FIFA points system and international ranking calculations.

The Super Falcons, who claimed a record-extending tenth title at WAFCON 2024 following a decisive win against Morocco, retained their position on the global stage with 1630.83 points, holding firmly to the 36th spot.

While the Falcons thrilled fans with their continental win, African rivals such as South Africa and Morocco continue to close in, ranked 54th and 60th globally respectively. This tightening competition promises to challenge Nigeria’s supremacy in future tournaments and rankings.

In the world, women’s football landscape has been dynamic over recent months. England retained their European Championship crown, Spain climbed to first in the UEFA rankings after an impressive run, and Brazil defended their South American title. 

Meanwhile, the United States maintained their position at the summit of the global rankings, despite slipping to second place after Spain’s resurgence.

But the Super Falcons’ static ranking despite WAFCON success reflects factors such as the weighting of different tournaments, frequency of international matches, and the global ranking formula. 

Nigerian football analysts and fans have noted that while the Falcons’ on-field achievements are undeniable, the team’s global ranking progress remains a work in progress, with Pulse Sports in-house expert calling for updates to how FIFA calculates women’s rankings

The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking release on December 11, 2025, will be keenly watched by Nigerian fans eager to see if their team’s WAFCON 2024 heroics will finally be reflected in an improved global standing.