Super Falcons in the latest FIFA women’s ranking published on Friday, June 7, also maintained the first position in Africa
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Falcons of Nigeria have moved up two places to the 40th spot in the latest FIFA Coca-Cola women’s ranking published on FIFA’s official website on Friday.
Prior to this, the Nigerian senior female football team in March, climbed up three places from 45th to 42nd before now jumping two more places.
It is the final ranking before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in July.
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Randy Waldrum’s side in the latest FIFA ranking also maintained the first position in Africa.
Their 2023 women’s World Cup group opponents Canada, Australia and the Republic of Ireland are 7th, 10th and 22nd respectively in the ranking
Alongside the Falcons, South Africa, Morocco and Zambia will represent Africa at this year’s women’s World Cup.
The next ranking will be published on 25 August 2023.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles boss, Jose Peseiro has unveiled a 23-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Sierra Leone, on Sunday, June 18, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia.
As expected, Peseiro kept faith with old faces, with captain Ahmed Musa, defender William Ekong, goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Moses Simon among those who made the list.
Also invited are Napoli goal posher, Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi and Wilfred Ndidi.
Home-based goaltenders, Victor Sochima and Olorunleke Ojo, as well as Rivers United defender Ebube Duru and Bendel Insurance FC midfielder Divine Nwachukwu are also surprise inclusions in the list.
Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars gave the Super Eagles a run for their money in the first leg of the encounter in Abuja on Day 1 of the qualification series but succumbed to a 2-1 loss eventually.