Super Eagles
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have long been regarded as one of Africa’s football giants, but the latest FIFA rankings paint a worrying picture, Soccernet.ng reports.
The team has slipped to sixth in Africa—although it rose to 43rd in the world—dropping out of the continent’s top five following their recent international break.
With Morocco (12th), Senegal (19th), Egypt (32nd), Algeria (36th), and Côte d’Ivoire (41st) all ranked higher, it is best to ask if the formidable Super Eagles of Nigeria are losing their status as a dominant force in Africa.
The rankings are based on results, and while Nigeria’s recent form has not been disastrous—two wins and two draws in the last four matches—the team’s inability to secure convincing victories against lower-ranked opponents has contributed to their drop.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire’s recent AFCON triumph has propelled them ahead, while Morocco and Senegal continue to dominate with consistent performances on the global stage.
A key factor behind Nigeria’s struggles is the lack of stability at the managerial level. In the last two years, the 2023 AFCON champions have played under four coaches.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) poor handling of key appointments have left the team without clear direction. In contrast, Morocco and Senegal have invested in long-term managerial projects, and they have surely reaped the rewards.
Also, Nigeria continues to rely heavily on established stars without a structured plan for the next generation. The result is a team that is gradually losing its competitive edge.
All is not lost. Nigeria still boasts a talented squad, including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, and a host of others. But talent alone is not enough.
With the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers and AFCON tournaments, Nigeria must use this ranking drop as a wake-up call. If the right decisions are made now, the Super Eagles can reclaim their place at the top.