Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped a place in the newly released FIFA World Ranking, moving from 43rd to 44th globally.
The update, which was published on FIFA’s official website on Thursday, sees the Nigerian team maintain fifth position on the African continent.
Morocco remain Africa’s top-ranked side, sitting 12th in the world, followed by Senegal in 18th, Egypt at 34th, and Algeria occupying the 36th spot.
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria’s next Group C opponents have seen mixed movements.
Rwanda, who will host the Super Eagles on matchday 7, climbed to 127th place. South Africa, who Nigeria will face on matchday 8, held firm at 56th globally.
Interestingly, Nigeria’s recent run of solid performances has not translated into an upward shift in the rankings.
In May, the Super Eagles clinched the 2025 Unity Cup in London under the guidance of Eric Chelle, recording victories against Ghana’s Black Stars and the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica.
They followed up with a commendable 1-1 draw in an international friendly against Russia in Moscow in early June.
Despite these positive outcomes, the Super Eagles’ FIFA position remains unchanged.
Historically, however, Nigeria still boasts Africa’s highest-ever ranking, fifth in the world, which they achieved in April 1994.
That same year, the team made their FIFA World Cup debut in the United States, advancing to the round of 16 after navigating a tough group that featured Argentina, Bulgaria, and tournament newcomers Greece.
The USA ‘94 tournament also saw memorable moments such as Sunday Oliseh’s encounter with Argentina’s legendary Diego Maradona.
On the global stage, Qatar 2022 bronze medalists Croatia made a return to the top ten, moving up one spot at the expense of Italy, who now sit 11th after slipping two places.
Elsewhere, Portugal (6th, up 1), current UEFA Nations League champions and the Netherlands (7th, down 1) exchanged positions. Belgium remain in 8th, but with Germany (9th, up 1) now closing in.
The top five remains unchanged, with Argentina, winners of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, holding firm at number one. Spain and France are second and third respectively, while England and Brazil round off the top five.
The next edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking will be published on 18 September 2025.
