The Super Eagles have risen four places to 41st in the new FIFA Men’s World Rankings, re-entering the top five African football nations.
The latest rankings, issued by FIFA on Friday, represent a big gain for the Super Eagles, which has risen from 45th place courtesy of recent impressive results in the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
The three-time African champions also climbed ahead of Ivory Coast, which is now ranked 42nd in the globe.
Nigeria’s improvement in the standings comes after a solid performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which includes a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane and a convincing 4-0 win over the Benin Republic in Uyo.
The Super Eagles has advanced to the continental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.
They will face Gabon, ranked 77th in the world and 15th in Africa, for a spot in the final round against Cameroon or DR Congo.
Morocco is still Africa’s highest-ranked team, despite dropping one spot to 12th in the world.
Senegal is second on the continent and 18th globally, while Egypt (32nd) and Algeria (35th) complete Africa’s top four, with Nigeria closing off the top five.
Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, and South Africa round out Africa’s top 10.
Spain is the team to beat at the top of the FIFA world rankings, having strengthened its position with consecutive World Cup qualifying victories over Georgia and Bulgaria.
France is also in a good position to qualify for the North American event, but they will have to wait a bit longer after a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan and a 2-2 draw with Iceland.
World Cup holders Argentina took advantage of Les Bleus’ lapse and reclaimed second place with friendly victories over Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
