Nigeria have risen three places to 38th in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings released on Wednesday, offering a measure of consolation after the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The latest update, covering 149 international fixtures across all confederations, reflects the team’s mixed month of competitive action. The Super Eagles recorded a dominant 4–1 victory over Gabon before suffering a 1–1 draw with the DR Congo in a crucial African play-off that ended in a 4–3 penalty defeat.
While the loss sealed Nigeria’s absence from the expanded World Cup finals in 2026, the performances were sufficient to boost the country’s ranking position and improve their standing on the continent.
Nigeria’s new FIFA points total is now 1,502.46, placing the team fifth in Africa. They trail Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria in the continental standings, with the gap between them and the nearest rivals remaining tight. The marginal gain in rankings comes at a critical time, ahead of a busy competitive schedule for the national side.
Morocco continue to lead African football with 1,713.12 points and remain comfortably ahead of the rest of the continent. Senegal follow at 19th in the global rankings on 1,648.07 points, while Egypt and Algeria occupy 34th and 35th positions respectively, reflecting strong recent performances on the continental and international stages.
Nigeria hold a slim advantage over Tunisia, who are ranked 40th with 1,497.13 points. Ivory Coast and DR Congo follow at a greater distance, with 1,489.59 points and 1,442.50 points respectively, leaving little room for error as teams jockey for continental supremacy ahead of major tournaments.
Despite the disappointment surrounding their failed World Cup bid, the data behind Nigeria’s recent ranking shift paints a more complicated picture.
FIFA noted that national team movements in the table were influenced by results across confederations and the conclusion of final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, creating opportunities for several teams, including Brazil and others, to improve their positions.
Nigeria’s rise comes during a period of rebuilding and introspection following the dramatic play-off defeat. The match in Rabat had started strongly for the Super Eagles, with Frank Onyeka scoring early to give the visitors the lead.
But DR Congo’s Elia Meschack equalised, pushing the tie into a tense penalty shoot-out. The resulting 4–3 loss abruptly ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The latest ranking carries significance beyond prestige. With the Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching in December, Nigeria enter the tournament with an opportunity to either consolidate their ranking position or surge further up the table.
AFCON results traditionally have a heavy influence on ranking outcomes, and a strong performance in Morocco could allow the team to close the gap on Africa’s leading sides.
The team’s coaching staff have already emphasised the importance of the upcoming continental competition, describing it as a chance for Nigeria to reaffirm their status among Africa’s elite. Fans remain optimistic that the squad’s current blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent could yet deliver notable success in the months ahead.
Football analysts argue that while the rise to 38th is modest, it signals potential stability after a turbulent qualification period. They note that the team’s attacking play in recent matches has shown improvement, though consistency and defensive organisation remain key areas that could determine their AFCON prospects.
The attention now shifts towards Nigeria’s preparation camps and friendly fixtures leading into the tournament. With the continental stage promising fierce competition, the Super Eagles will be under pressure to transform ranking momentum into tangible results.
The climb in the FIFA rankings may not erase the nation’s disappointment at missing the World Cup, but it provides encouragement at a critical juncture. With AFCON looming, Nigeria’s football ambitions now turn toward redemption, resilience and the pursuit of continental glory.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
