Nigeria Drops To 44th In Latest FIFA Rankings

By Chidi Nwoke, Abuja

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria have experienced a significant decline in the latest FIFA World Rankings, plummeting eight places to 44th position.

This substantial drop is attributed to their underwhelming performance in the final round of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where Nigeria drew 1-1 with Benin. The Super Eagles also suffered a surprising 2-1 home defeat to Rwanda.

This disappointing result has not only impacted Nigeria’s global ranking (loss of 21.06 points), but also its standing within Africa, as they have slipped to fifth place on the continent.

Nigeria places 44th in latest FIFA World Rankings.

Morocco retained its position as the top-ranked African nation. Despite its continued dominance on the continent, the Atlas Lions have slipped one spot in the global rankings, moving from 13th to 14th due to Uruguay’s surge after their impressive performances.

Algeria has risen to 4th place in Africa, overtaking Nigeria, which endured a dismal international break. Nigeria’s drop (eight places) represents the biggest in FIFA’s latest rankings.

Meanwhile, Argentina remains top of the list with France in second place, while Spain are in hot pursuit in third. England are in fourth, with Brazil retaining its place in fifth as Portugal climbs up to sixth.

The Netherlands are in seventh with Belgium at eighth, while Italy placed ninth with the mighty Germany rounding off in tenth.

Niger emerged as the standout performer in this month’s rankings. Following their impressive wins against Sudan (4-0) and Ghana (2-1) in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Mena gained 31.23 points and climbed nine places to 122nd globally and 34th in Africa.

This marks the highest progression in both points and rankings among African nations.

African Top 20 FIFA Rankings

1- Morocco (14th)
2- Senegal (17th)
3- Egypt (33rd)
4- Algeria (37th)
5- Nigeria (44th)
6- Ivory Coast (46th)
7- Cameroon (49th)
9- Mali (51st)
10- Tunisia (52nd)
11- South Africa (57th)
12- DR Congo (61st)
13- Burkina Faso (66th)
14- Cape Verde (72nd)
15- Ghana (77th)
16- Gabon (84th)
17- Angola (85th)
18- Zambia (87th)
19- Uganda (88th)
20- Equatorial Guinea (93rd).

Source FIFA World Cup

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