The Super Eagles have dropped from 36th to 44th in the current FIFA rankings, the largest decline among other countries in November.
Nigeria’s eight-place slide in the newest rankings, which were revealed on the football governing body’s website on Thursday, represents the three-time African champions’ steepest decline in recent years.
The Super Eagles’ slide was partly owing to a bad performance in the previous international window, when they were humiliated 2-1 at home to Rwanda in the final phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Austin Eguavoen’s men were defeated by the Amavubi in Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium, ending their unblemished run in the qualification campaign.
Prior to their setback to the East Africans, the Super Eagles battled to a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Though the point earned them a spot in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, it also contributed to the country’s significant drop in world football rankings.
According to the FIFA website, Argentina remained the top-ranked team, while Niger climbed from 131st to 122nd, scoring the most points (31.23) in the most recent standings.
Meanwhile, Comoros is the newest highest-ranked team, rising to 103rd, while DR Congo lost the most points (35.53).
Nigeria’s eight-place dip in the world has pushed them to fifth in Africa, one spot lower than their previous fourth place.
This is the Eagles’ largest decline since February 2024, when they jumped from 42nd to 28th in the globe and third on the continent, their best performance since 2013.
Despite losing one spot to 14th in the globe, Morocco remained the continent’s top performer. Senegal, in second position, has risen three places to 17th in the world.
Egypt remained third on the continent but slipped three places globally, with the Pharaohs now ranked 33rd.
Algeria surpassed the Super Eagles to take fourth place and remained 37th in the world.
Meanwhile, World Cup winners Argentina remain the number one ranked side despite losing a game to Paraguay in the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Argentina, the World Cup winner, retains the top-ranked team after losing a qualifier against Paraguay.
France is second, with Spain, England, and Brazil rounding out the Top 5.s
