Nigeria’s Super Eagles have made a significant leap in the latest FIFA rankings, moving up three spots to 36th in the world. This rise marks a return to form for the three-time African champions, who have now reclaimed their place among Africa’s top five teams.
The Super Eagles’ sole fixture during the ranking review period was a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. While the reverse fixture was canceled due to logistical issues—currently under investigation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)—Nigeria’s triumph in the first match was enough to propel them forward in the global standings.
Since the inception of FIFA’s ranking system in 1992, the Super Eagles have experienced various shifts in their global position. Their highest ranking came in April 1994, when they were ranked 5th in the world following their AFCON victory and just ahead of their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup. This golden period also saw them rank 7th in May 1994 and 9th in late 2006 and early 2007.
Conversely, their lowest point came in November 1999, when they dropped to 82nd in the world. Despite these fluctuations, Nigeria remains a dominant force in African football and continues to show resilience in reclaiming higher rankings.
In the latest rankings, Morocco leads the continent at 13th globally, followed by Senegal (20th), Egypt (30th), Nigeria (36th), and Algeria (37th). Cote d’Ivoire, the reigning AFCON champions, has fallen out of the top five, now ranked 40th.
The Super Eagles’ resurgence comes at a time when other African nations are also showing notable progress. Algeria has jumped four spots to 37th, while Cameroon has returned to the top 50, ranking 49th. Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe, The Gambia, and Botswana have all made significant strides in the rankings, each climbing between six and seven spots.
Globally, Argentina continues to hold the top spot, with France and Spain closing in. England, Brazil, and Belgium maintain their positions, while Portugal and Italy have both moved up within the top ten. Outside the top tier, Peru has risen five spots to 38th, and Greece has climbed six places to 42nd.
Other notable movers include Comoros, which has reached its highest-ever ranking, and Sudan, whose victory over Ghana in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers has seen them climb ten places.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be released on November 28, 2024. Fans of the Super Eagles will be eagerly watching to see if Nigeria can maintain its momentum heading into the next round of matches.
