Super Eagles soar to 28th place in latest FIFA Ranking

Last updated Feb 17, 2024

Super Eagles of Nigeria’s impressive performance at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations has yielded some dividends as the team has soared to their best FIFA rankings in 16 years.

According to the latest FIFA ranking released on Thursday, Super Eagles climbed 14 places up to 24th in the world and third in Africa, dislodging Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria .

This is Nigeria’s best ranking since February 2008 when they ranked 19th in the world. Prior to the Africa Cup of Nations, the team was positioned at a respectable 42nd place globally.

The FIFA release stated, “Amongst the African sides, Cote d’Ivoire (39th, up 10) reaped the rewards of their continental triumph on home soil, secured following an eventful tournament campaign. Beaten finalists Nigeria (28th, up 14) make significant strides but are no match for the Angola side they ousted in the last eight (93rd, up 24), who are the biggest climbers in the latest installment of the global ranking.”

Argentina retains its No. 1 spot, followed by France and England. Filling out the top 10 places are Belgium, Brazil, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Croatia.

The 2022 World Cup hosts, Qatar, also rose on account of retaining their Asian Cup. “Qatar’s rise sees them enter uncharted territory, with two other teams also recording best-ever rankings.

“Senegal (17th, up 3), who suffered shoot-out heartbreak at the hands of the eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, break new ground, while Tajikistan (99th, up 7) mark their maiden Asian Cup campaign by making a first-ever appearance in the top 100.”

FIFA Rankings