Nigeria’s Super Eagles have fallen eight places in the latest FIFA world rankings, released on Thursday, June 20, 2024, Soccernet.ng reports.
The new rankings, available on FIFA’s website, show Nigeria dropping from 30th to 38th in the world and fifth in Africa. The top African teams are Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and AFCON champions Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria’s decline is due to their disappointing results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles were forced to a 1-1 by South Africa in Uyo and suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in Abidjan.
Despite drawing with Nigeria and beating Zimbabwe, South Africa remain 59th in the rankings.
Benin’s impressive month – the Cheetahs defeated Nigeria and Rwanda to secure maximum points in Group C – was rewarded as the Gernot Rohr-tutored team moved up to 91st.
With four games played in the qualifiers, Nigeria sit in fifth place in Group C with three points. Their next matches are against Rwanda (ranked 131st) and Zimbabwe (ranked 129th) in March 2025.
At the top of the global rankings, world champions Argentina stay in first place, followed by France and Belgium. Brazil and England have swapped places, with Brazil now fourth and England fifth.
Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain remain in the top ten, while Croatia has moved up to ninth, pushing Italy down to tenth.
The next FIFA world ranking will be published on July 18, 2024.
