The Super Eagles of Nigeria have experienced a significant decline in the latest FIFA men’s rankings, released on Thursday morning. The three-time African champions have dropped eight places, moving from the 30th position to the 38th.
This drop in ranking follows a series of challenging matches in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles managed a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This was followed by a 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in a match held in Ivory Coast. These results have impacted their position on the global stage, reflecting the difficulties the team has faced recently.
In addition to their global ranking drop, Nigeria has also fallen in the African standings. They are now ranked fifth on the continent, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Cote d’Ivoire. This is a drop of two places from their previous position.
On the world stage, Argentina has retained its number one spot in the rankings. The reigning world champions are followed by France, Belgium, Brazil, and England, who complete the top five. This highlights the consistent performance of these football powerhouses.
In a contrasting turn of events, the Lone Stars of Liberia emerged as the biggest climbers in the latest rankings. They have advanced 10 positions, achieving their highest-ever rank of 142nd. Liberia also gained the most points, adding 37.47 points to their tally, showcasing a significant improvement in their footballing fortunes.
RELATED : Spain’s Coach Sees Reflection in Italy Ahead of Euro 2024
Equatorial Guinea, however, saw the largest decline. They dropped 10 positions and lost 47.53 points, reflecting a notable downturn in their ranking. This stark contrast underscores the volatile nature of international football rankings, where teams can experience rapid rises and falls.
San Marino remains at the bottom of the rankings, holding the 210th position, while Eritrea is the sole unranked country. These positions illustrate the wide disparity in footballing prowess across different nations.
For Nigeria, the latest ranking sees them with 1498.93 points, down from their previous 1520.27 points. This decrease marks a significant shift in their standing in global football. Formerly ranked 30th, Nigeria’s decline follows their recent performances post-African Cup of Nations, where they finished as runners-up, losing 2-1 to the host nation. Their recent matches—a draw with South Africa and a loss to Benin Republic—have further impacted their ranking and cast doubt on their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers campaign.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s retention of the top spot underscores their status as a leading football nation. They gained 2.14 points, bringing their total to 1860.14 points. Their consistent high-level performance in recent tournaments is evident in their steady top ranking.
The FIFA rankings, as reported in the Official FIFA Website , are calculated using the Elo model. This model considers team strength, match importance, and results, providing a comprehensive assessment of international football teams’ performance.
Liberia’s significant climb and Equatorial Guinea’s sharp decline highlight the dynamic nature of the rankings. Liberia’s rise to 142nd and Equatorial Guinea’s fall are reflective of their respective performances and changing fortunes on the international stage.
Super Eagles Slip in Latest FIFA Men’s Rankings
One thought on “Super Eagles Slip in Latest FIFA Men’s Rankings”