New FIFA world ranking for Super Eagles: How Nigeria now compare to African rivals

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have climbed four places to 41st in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, reclaiming their position among Africa’s top five national teams, Soccernet.ng reports.

The new rankings, released on Friday, reveals a significant leap for Nigeria, who were previously 45th.

The three-time African champions have also overtaken Ivory Coast, who now sit 42nd globally.

Nigeria’s progress follows a strong run in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, including a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane and a resounding 4-0 win against Benin Republic in Uyo.

Those results not only boosted their points tally but also confirmed their spot in the continental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagles are set to face Gabon, currently 77th in the world and 15th among continental rivals, for a place in the final playoff round, where Cameroon or DR Congo await.

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Morocco, Senegal lead Africa’s charge as Spain stay top globally

On the continental scene, Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked team despite dropping one place to 12th globally.

Senegal are second in Africa and 18th overall, with Egypt (32nd) and Algeria (35th) completing the top four before Nigeria round off the top five.

Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, and South Africa make up the rest of Africa’s top ten.

Globally, Spain maintain their grip on the number one spot after winning Euro 2024, while Argentina climb to second.

France drop to third, and England and Portugal hold steady in fourth and fifth. The Netherlands have edged up to sixth, overtaking Brazil, who fall to seventh. Belgium, Italy, and Germany complete the top ten.

Elsewhere, Niger achieved the biggest improvement this month, jumping nine places to 108th, while Greece endured the sharpest decline, falling eight spots to 48th. Sweden lost the most ranking points, whereas the Faroe Islands gained the most over the period.