By Seyi Babalola
Super Falcons of Nigeria has climbed eight spots in the most recent FIFA women’s rankings published by the Federation of International Football Association.
The Super Falcons, who were placed 40th in the world in the June ranking, acquired 94 points to accumulate a total of 1649 points, moving them up to 32nd place overall.
The Falcons’ strong performance at the recently finished Women’s World Cup, which was played in Australia and New Zealand, had a significant role in their ascent in the rankings.
Prior to being eliminated from the competition by the eventual champions, England, on penalties, the senior women’s national team of Nigeria won one and drew the other three games they played in the largest women’s football showcase
The Falcons began their tournament with a scoreless tie against Olympic winners Canada, followed it up with a shocking 3-2 victory against the co-hosts Australia, and finished with a scoreless draw against the Republic of Ireland.
The women of Randy Waldrum finished with five points, one fewer than The Matildas, who destroyed Canada 4-0 in their last match. However, the point was sufficient for them to go to the competition’s round of 16 for the third time in nine attempts before being defeated by the Lionesses.
The 11-time African champions also ended the group stage unbeaten to become the only African country among the continent’s four representatives at the tournament.
The side of Waldrum remained in the top spot in Africa.
Additionally, South Africa improved in the list that was made public on Friday, moving up to 45th in the world and second in Africa. Morocco and Ghana, who are ranked 58th and 59th in the globe, respectively, round out the top five in Africa, while Cameroon, which has 1445 points, is third on the continent and 56th in the world.
Spain, the reigning world champion, is currently placed second globally, just behind Sweden, which rose from third to first.
The United States of America comes in third, followed by England in fourth and France in fifth.
The first ranking since the 2023 Women’s World Cup has been announced by FIFA on Friday.
