- Nigeria moved up from 45th to 41st in the latest FIFA ranking, marking a strong comeback in global football standings.
- The Super Eagles leapfrogged Ivory Coast, now ranked 42nd, following dominant wins in the World Cup qualifiers.
- Their victories over Lesotho (2–1) and Benin Republic (4–0) sealed their place in the continental playoff round.
- With Gabon up next, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s top five teams, just behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have continued their impressive form on the international stage, climbing from 45th to 41st in the new FIFA World Ranking released on Friday. The leap represents one of the team’s biggest ranking improvements in recent months.
The three-time African champions also overtook Ivory Coast, who now sit in 42nd place globally. This progress follows Nigeria’s dominant World Cup qualifying performances: a 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane and a resounding 4–0 win against Benin Republic in Uyo.
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Those results not only earned Nigeria valuable ranking points but also secured their place in the continental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles will now face Gabon, currently ranked 77th worldwide and 15th in Africa, in a crucial tie that could see them advance to the final playoff round. There, a potential showdown with either Cameroon or DR Congo could await.
Across the continent, Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked team, holding 12th position globally despite slipping one place. Senegal follow as Africa’s second-best, ranked 18th in the world, while Egypt (32nd) and Algeria (35th) complete the top four, with Nigeria rounding out Africa’s top five.
Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, and South Africa complete Africa’s top ten, showing just how competitive the continent’s football scene remains.
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Globally, Spain have tightened their grip at the top of the FIFA ranking after back-to-back World Cup qualifying wins over Georgia and Bulgaria. World champions Argentina climbed back into second place with friendly victories against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, while France slipped to third following a 2–2 draw against Iceland.
The Super Eagles’ rise is being seen as a sign of steady improvement under their current setup, with fans hoping it sets the tone for qualification success on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
