Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped to 45th in the world in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, underlining the team’s faltering form in recent months, Bold Sports reports.
Since the last ranking, the three-time African champions managed a narrow 1–0 victory over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo before being held to a 1–1 draw by South Africa at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The mixed results have done little to boost their standing either globally or in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Eagles now sit third in their qualification group, six points behind leaders South Africa and three points adrift of second-placed Benin, leaving their campaign in a precarious position.
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On the continental scene, Nigeria remain outside the top five, staying sixth in Africa. Morocco continue to lead the way for the continent, climbing to 11th in the world. Senegal follow as Africa’s second-best side, holding steady at 18th globally. Egypt, despite falling to 35th in the world, remain third in Africa, ahead of Algeria (38th) and Ivory Coast (44th), who complete the top five.
Globally, European champions Spain reclaimed top spot in the rankings, while France climbed to second. Defending world champions Argentina slipped to third, while England and Portugal round out the top five. Brazil sit sixth, with the Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, and Italy completing the top ten.
Elsewhere, Slovakia emerged as the biggest climbers, recording the largest points gain, while Zimbabwe endured the steepest fall, dropping nine places to 125th.
FIFA confirmed that the next rankings will be released on October 23, 2025, after the Super Eagles face off against Lesotho and Benin in their final two World Cup qualification matches.
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