The ranking, released on April 21, reflects a slight improvement from their previous 37th position in December 2025.

The movement follows the team’s performances in two pre-WAFCON friendly matches against Cameroon, where they lost 1-0 in February before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory in March.

After the initial defeat, the nine-time African champions responded strongly in the return fixture. Chinwendu Ihezuo equalised in the 32nd minute with a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide.

Babajide then put Nigeria ahead just before halftime, finishing from close range after a goalmouth scramble. Michelle Alozie later sealed the win in the 64th minute with a header from a cross by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

The victory added 3.35 points to Nigeria’s tally, bringing them to 1602 points in April, though still slightly below their December 2025 total of 1607.

Within Africa, the Super Falcons remain ahead of South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco, who are ranked 58th, 59th, and 62nd globally.

On the global stage, Spain continues to lead the rankings, followed by the United States, England, Germany, and Japan.

reports that Nwosu made this known in an interview with Punch, while responding to calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the North to produce the next president.

He explained that the ADC currently maintains an open structure regarding its presidential ticket, giving all regions equal opportunity to contest.

According to him, “In ADC, it is open.”

Nwosu noted that zoning had been a subject of discussion during coalition negotiations, with some Northern stakeholders arguing for fairness based on political rotation since 1999.

He said some young Northerners who visited him argued that since the return to democracy, power has been shared unevenly between the North and South, which influenced how he now views the debate.

He added that while he had not initially considered it from that angle, the argument reflects a political reality being discussed within the system.

On how the party intends to choose its presidential candidate, Nwosu said the ADC is considering two possible methods—consensus and direct primaries.

He explained that if stakeholders agree, a consensus arrangement would be adopted, but where disagreements arise, the party would proceed with direct primaries, and the winner would emerge as the flagbearer.

Nwosu also disclosed that several prominent politicians have indicated willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, regardless of outcome.

He mentioned figures such as Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi as those who have reportedly made such commitments, adding that he expects Rabiu Kwankwaso to also take a similar stance.

He stressed that transparency remains central to the ADC’s internal processes, noting that this principle guided the party’s leadership structure and decision-making.

According to him, the leadership arrangement, including the role of David Mark, was supported because of the need for credible and transparent primaries within the party.