FIFA rankings: Nigeria suffer biggest decline globally, now fifth in Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped eight places from 36th to 44th in the world based on FIFA’s latest rankings.

According to the list released on Thursday by the world football governing body, the three-time African champions have also moved one step behind to the fifth-best team on the continent.

In the latest ranking, Nigeria is one of the three countries with the biggest decline, alongside Congo Brazzaville and Sierra Leone.

The Super Eagles’ huge drop follows an underwhelming final set of games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Even before kicking the ball against the Benin Republic, Nigeria qualified for the competition because Rwanda defeated Libya. The Eagles had to scrape for a late 1-1 draw against the Gernot Rohr-led Beninese.

Four days later, Nigeria suffered a disappointing home loss to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio stadium.

Morocco and Senegal maintained their lead as the best African teams, with Egypt in third and Algeria climbing to fourth on the continent.

Meanwhile, Argentina remained number one globally, with France and Spain in second and third. England and Brazil complete the global top five.

The next FIFA world ranking will be released on December 19, 2024.