Akin Ayomide
Nigeria have risen three places to 38th in the latest FIFA men’s world ranking announced on Wednesday following a month in which the Super Eagles played two competitive fixtures.
The ranking update, which covered 149 national-team outings worldwide since the previous release, reflects Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon and the 1–1 draw with the DR Congo that ended in a 4–3 penalty defeat in the African play-off.
Despite the heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 World Cup, those results were sufficient to nudge the Super Eagles up the table.
Nigeria’s new points total stands at 1,502.46. That places the country fifth among African nations behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria.
Morocco remain Africa’s top side in the world ranking on 1,713.12 points, Senegal sit 19th with 1,648.07 points, Egypt are 34th on 1,520.68 and Algeria occupy 35th on 1,516.37.
A closer look at the continental picture shows how tightly packed the teams around Nigeria are.
The Super Eagles hold a narrow advantage over Tunisia, who are 40th on 1,497.13 points, and a wider margin over rivals such as Ivory Coast and DR Congo, which sit on 1,489.59 and 1,442.50 points respectively.
By contrast, Morocco lead the African pack by a clear margin of 210.66 points over Nigeria.
FIFA noted that moves in the table were driven by results across confederations and the conclusion of final qualifying fixtures for the 2026 World Cup.
Spain remain top of the world rankings, with world champions Argentina and France close behind. Brazil rose two places to fifth following their recent results, a shift that freed space for other nations to move.
For Nigeria the rise to 38th offers a modest consolation amid national disappointment.
The World Cup play-off in Rabat began promisingly, with Frank Onyeka firing the visitors ahead early, but Elia Meschack’s equaliser and the subsequent penalty shoot-out cost the Super Eagles a place at the expanded 48-team finals co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The timing of the ranking update is significant. With the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for December, Nigeria have immediate opportunities to consolidate or extend their standing. A strong showing at in Morocco could propel them back up the table.