Despite making a 16 years return to the Olympics where they participated in the women football tournament after edging out South Africa in both qualifying legs, Super Falcons of Nigeria didn't have a dream return as they would have loved, loosing all three group stage games, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
This at the back of a not so good performances have seen them remain static in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World ranking with USA claiming back top spot, disposing world champions Spain after picking up gold at the just concluded Olympics tournament.
The United States women's national soccer team clinched their fifth Olympic gold medal in Paris, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final. This marked their first gold medal since London 2012, under the guidance of manager Emma Hayes.
England moved up one spot to second in the rankings, surpassing Spain, who dropped two places to third after losing to Brazil in the semifinals and Germany in the bronze-medal match.
Germany maintained their position in fourth, while Japan remained at seventh despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals by the United States.
Three African teams achieved their highest rise in alongside three other European teams. Altogether, six teams are currently higher in the ranking than ever before, namely Iceland (13th), Colombia (21st), Zambia (62nd), the Solomon Islands (86th), Cabo Verde (130th) and the Central African Republic (144th).
As gathered, the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking will be released next on December 20, 2024.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola