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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped one spot in the latest FIFA world rankings, falling from 43rd to 44th globally, according to the update released Thursday on FIFA’s official website. On the continental level, Nigeria is now ranked fifth in Africa.
Morocco leads the African rankings at 12th in the world, followed by Senegal (18th), Egypt (34th), and Algeria (36th).
Rwanda, Nigeria’s opponent on Matchday 7 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, climbed to 127th globally. South Africa, who the Super Eagles will face on Matchday 8, remains 56th.
Despite recent strong performances — including winning the 2025 Unity Cup in London under coach Eric Chelle by defeating Ghana and Jamaica, and a 1-1 friendly draw against Russia in Moscow — Nigeria’s ranking failed to improve.
The Super Eagles still hold the record as Africa’s highest-ever ranked team, reaching fifth in April 1994. That year also marked their World Cup debut in the U.S., where they advanced to the Round of 16 after facing Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece.
In the global rankings, Croatia returned to the top 10 at Italy’s expense, moving up one spot. Portugal (6th) and the Netherlands (7th) also switched places. Belgium and Germany occupy 8th and 9th respectively.
The top five remain unchanged: World champions Argentina lead the way, followed by Spain, France, England, and Brazil.
FIFA will release the next edition of the men’s world ranking on September 18, 2025.
