Nigeria’s Super Falcons maintained 36th position in the latest FIFA World Ranking, which was released on the world football governing body’s website on Friday, August 16, 2024.
In Africa, the Falcons are still in number one position and are followed by South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
The Falcons’ position did not come as a surprise following their dismal performance at this summer’s Olympics in Paris.
The team finished bottom in a group that had Olympic finalist Brazil, Japan, and world champion Spain.
In their opening game against Brazil, the Falcons lost 1-0 and also fell by the same margin against Spain.
The game against Japan also ended in defeat, as they lost 3-1 to end their return to the Olympics in disappointment.
Africa’s other representative in Paris, Zambia, moved up in the ranking as they are now in 62nd place.
Just like the Falcons, the Zambians also lost all three group games in their second appearance at the Olympics.
Other African teams who moved up are South Africa, who are now in 50th place, and Tunisia, in 58th place.
Paris Olympic champion United States of America reclaimed number one spot; silver medal winner Brazil also moved up and are in eighth place, while Spain dropped to third.
The next FIFA women’s world ranking will be released on 20 December 2024.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
