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FIFA Ranking: Nigeria fail to rise despite WAFCON win as Ghana, Morocco suffer drop

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have held on to their 36th place in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, despite securing a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in stunning fashion, Soccernet.ng reports.

The new rankings released by FIFA on Thursday offered mixed emotions for Africa’s top women’s teams.

While Nigeria lifted the 2024 WAFCON trophy without losing a match, the feat was not enough to propel them higher in the global standings.

Coach Justin Madugu’s side went unbeaten through six matches, including a tense, and now controversial, final victory over hosts Morocco. Along the way, they defeated South Africa in the semi-finals, Zambia in the last eight, and overcame Tunisia and Botswana in the group stage. Algeria were the only side to hold them to a draw.

That triumph ensured Nigeria now have more continental titles (10) than any other women’s team globally. In comparison, powerhouses like the United States, Brazil, and China have each won their respective continental tournaments nine times.


Where Does Super Falcons Stand in FIFA Ranking?
However, the Super Falcons’ global ranking has remained unchanged since March 2024. Nigeria, whose all-time highest FIFA ranking was 23rd in 2005, continue to be the highest-ranked African women’s team.

South Africa, the former WAFCON champions, sit second in Africa but remain 54th worldwide. Morocco, runners-up on home soil, have dropped four places to 64th globally, though they are still Africa’s third-best side.

Zambia hold steady in fourth place in the continental standings, while Cameroon and Ghana follow in fifth and sixth respectively. However, both suffered slight dips globally — Cameroon falling to 66th and Ghana to 67th, despite the latter’s bronze medal finish at the WAFCON.

Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Algeria, and Senegal round out Africa’s top 10.

On the global front, Spain reclaimed the top spot despite falling short in the UEFA Women’s Euro final to England.

The United States slipped to second, Sweden climbed to third, while England — now European champions — are ranked fourth. Germany, France, and Brazil complete the top seven. Japan, Canada, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea make up the remainder of the world’s top 10.

 

– Soccernet

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Nigeria Secures Spot At 2026 FIFA World Cup

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The Falconets of Nigeria are through to the final Playoffs for this year’s U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after they again beat their Senegalese counterparts 2-1 on the road.

Nigeria won the first leg a week ago in Abeokuta to now go through 3-1 on aggregate.

They will now battle Malawi in the Playoffs for a ticket to the World Cup.

Today, the Falconets took the lead after 19 minutes through Kindness Ifeanyi, who was the match winner in Nigeria.

They made it 2-0 courtesy of Precious Oscar in the 68th minute, before the home team netted a consolation goal in the closing minutes of the contest.

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HEARTBREAKING: Nigerian Footballer Dies In UK Hospital

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HEARTBREAKING: Nigerian Footballer Dies In UK Hospital

Tributes have poured in following the death of Nigerian non-league footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who died from a catastrophic brain injury just one day before his wife and four-year-old daughter could reach his bedside.

Adeniji, who played as a winger for Kings Park Rangers in Halstead, Essex, passed away in hospital on Friday after being admitted to intensive care on January 25 with a severe brain stem injury.

The club rallied around his family, who travelled from Nigeria to be with him but arrived after his death.

A fundraising appeal launched to support them has raised more than £16,000 of its £17,000 target to help cover expenses, including travel and accommodation.

Medical staff reportedly delayed switching off life support in the hope that his family would arrive in time to say goodbye, but the club confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement released on Saturday.

Kings Park Rangers said: “It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17 Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’ passed away yesterday morning. He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. His wife and daughter unfortunately arrived this morning, a day late.

“He will always be a King. He will always be loved. As a friend, as a dad as a husband, as a brother and as a son. R.I.P Saburi Adeniji.”

The Essex and Suffolk Border League side waived gate fees in recent weeks, redirecting the funds as donations for the family, and observed a minute’s silence before their match against Henley Athletic. The club also organised a fundraising event to support the bereaved family.

In another message, the club said: “We are overwhelmed with the support and on behalf of everyone involved with the club.”

The fundraising page explained that the money would assist with emergency visa applications, travel expenses and accommodation while the family remains in the UK.

HEARTBREAKING: Nigerian Footballer Dies In UK Hospital

 

It also highlighted Adeniji’s devotion to his family, stating: “Saburi leaves behind a four-year-old daughter, whom he adored. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future.

“Beyond the immediate need to reunite his family, this fund will also be used to support his wife financially as she navigates life after this devastating loss and help secure his daughter’s education and wellbeing back home in Nigeria.

“This is a moment for the football world to come together players, clubs, teammates, supporters, and friends. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference to a young family facing unimaginable heartbreak.”

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Transfer: Aribo seals loan move to Leicester City

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Leicester City have confirmed the loan signing of Joe Aribo from Southampton, DAILY POST reports. The move, according to the Foxes, is subject to league approval.

Aribo endured a difficult first half of the season at Southampton, making just seven league appearances, all as a substitute. The Nigeria international is not expected to return to the Saints, with his contract set to expire this summer.

The 29-year-old made 111 appearances for Southampton across four seasons in the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.

Aribo will now link up with his new teammates as Leicester prepare for their upcoming Sky Bet Championship fixture away at Birmingham City on Saturday.

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