NIGERIA’s Super Eagles have made a major leap in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, climbing four places to 41st in the world and reclaiming their position among Africa’s top five football nations.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the updated ranking, published by FIFA on Friday, reflects Nigeria’s renewed momentum under coach Eric Chelle, following a series of impressive results in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
From their previous 45th position, the three-time African champions now sit just behind continental powerhouses Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria, overtaking Ivory Coast, who dropped to 42nd.
Nigeria’s rise comes on the back of two crucial World Cup qualifying victories, a 2–1 away win against Lesotho in Polokwane and a dominant 4–0 triumph over Benin Republic in Uyo.
Those back-to-back wins not only consolidated their position in the qualifying series but also earned vital ranking points that lifted them up the global ladder.
The results have also boosted morale within the team’s camp ahead of the continental playoff stage, where the Super Eagles will face Gabon ranked 77th globally and 15th in Africa for a spot in the final qualification round.
On the continental scale, Morocco retains its position as Africa’s top-ranked nation despite slipping one spot globally to 12th. Senegal follows closely in 18th, with Egypt (32nd) and Algeria (35th) maintaining solid performances to occupy the third and fourth spots.
Nigeria’s climb to 41st restores its place among the elite five, reaffirming the country’s historical status as a powerhouse in African football.
Other nations rounding out Africa’s top ten include Ivory Coast (42nd), Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, and South Africa.
Globally, Spain continues to dominate the world ranking following successive World Cup qualifying victories over Georgia and Bulgaria.
France, who had been pushing for the top spot, slipped to third after drawing 2–2 with Iceland despite a comfortable win over Azerbaijan earlier in the window.
Reigning world champions Argentina reclaimed second place thanks to impressive friendly wins against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
