Nigeria’s Super Eagles have fallen one place in the latest FIFA world rankings, sliding from 43rd to 44th, despite a series of promising performances in recent international matches, Soccernet.ng reports.
The latest rankings, released on Thursday, overlook Nigeria’s impressive showing in May and June.
The three-time continental kings clinched the latest edition of the Unity Cup in the United States, overcoming old rivals Ghana and then Jamaica via a dramatic penalty shootout in the final.
Just days later, Nigeria earned a commendable 1-1 draw against 2018 World Cup hosts Russia in Moscow, with Tolu Arokodare netting a late equaliser before a record crowd at the Luzhniki Stadium.
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However, FIFA's ranking algorithm has not rewarded these results.
The governing body prioritises competitive matches such as World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments over invitational events and friendlies, which likely diminished the points value of Nigeria’s recent outings.
The drop sees Nigeria maintain their position as the fifth-best African team but still trailing Morocco (12th), Senegal (18th), Egypt (34th), and Algeria (36th). Regional rivals Ghana (76th) and South Africa (56th) continue to languish further down the rankings.
At the summit of the global chart, Argentina retain top spot, followed by Spain and France, while Brazil remain outside the top three.
Nigeria’s next opportunity to climb the ladder comes in September, when the former African champions resume their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
Nigeria will trade tackles with Rwanda and bitter rivals South Africa in must-win group games that could determine their qualifying chances.
Those fixtures — crucial and weighted more heavily in FIFA’s ranking formula — could provide the lift the team needs to re-enter the world’s top 40.
