Sports
Nigeria Rise to 38th in Latest FIFA Rankings Despite World Cup Setback
Nigeria have climbed three places to 38th in the latest FIFA men’s world ranking, released on Wednesday, following a month that saw the Super Eagles compete in two major fixtures.
The update, which reflects 149 national-team games worldwide, highlights Nigeria’s 4–1 win over Gabon and the 1–1 draw with DR Congo that ended in a 4–3 penalty defeat in the African play-off.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 World Cup, these results proved enough to move the Super Eagles up the global table. Nigeria’s new total stands at 1,502.46 points, securing fifth place in Africa behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria.
Morocco remain Africa’s top-ranked nation with 1,713.12 points, followed by Senegal in 19th with 1,648.07, Egypt in 34th with 1,520.68, and Algeria in 35th on 1,516.37 points.
Nigeria’s ranking also places them narrowly above Tunisia, who sit 40th on 1,497.13 points. The Super Eagles hold a more comfortable margin over teams such as Ivory Coast (1,489.59 points) and DR Congo (1,442.50 points). By comparison, Morocco lead Nigeria by a significant 210.66-point gap.
FIFA explained that the latest shifts in the standings were driven by results from multiple confederations and the conclusion of final qualification fixtures for the 2026 World Cup.
On the global stage, Spain continue to lead the rankings, followed by world champions Argentina and France. Brazil climbed two positions to fifth after recent strong performances.
For Nigeria, rising to 38th offers a modest consolation after their World Cup exit. The play-off in Rabat had begun on a high note, with Frank Onyeka scoring early, before Elia Meschack’s equaliser and a dramatic penalty shoot-out denied the Super Eagles a spot at the expanded 48-team tournament.
The timing of the update is significant as Nigeria prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in December. A strong performance at the tournament in Morocco could push the Super Eagles even higher in the global standings.
