Nigeria’s Super Eagles have faced a major blow in the latest FIFA World Rankings, dropping eight places to the 44th spot. This marks the largest decline by any national team in this ranking period and highlights the growing concerns about the team’s recent performances.
What Led to the Decline?
The drop comes on the heels of a disappointing showing in the November 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Nigeria managed only a 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic in Abidjan and suffered a shocking 2-1 home defeat to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. These results, coupled with earlier struggles, paint a worrying picture for the three-time African champions.
Despite showing promise earlier this year, the Super Eagles have failed to maintain consistency. The latest drop follows a similar decline in June, when the team fell to 38th globally. While there were marginal gains in subsequent months, the recent string of underwhelming performances has pushed Nigeria to its lowest ranking in years.
A Look at Nigeria’s FIFA Ranking History
Nigeria has a storied history in the FIFA World Rankings, debuting at an impressive 13th position in December 1992. The team reached its peak in April 1994, ranking 5th globally after clinching the AFCON title and earning a debut spot in the FIFA World Cup.
Since then, the Super Eagles have experienced fluctuations in their rankings. Notable highlights include:
- No. 5 on April 19, 1994
- No. 7 on May 17, 1994
- No. 9 on November 22, 2006
However, there have also been lows, with the team sinking to its worst-ever position of No. 82 in November 1999.
How Does Nigeria Compare in Africa?
Despite the drop, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s top football nations. The current African rankings see Morocco leading the continent, holding the 14th position globally with 1688.18 points. Other African powerhouses in the top five include Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, with Nigeria slipping just behind them.
Globally, the top 10 teams include Argentina, France, Spain, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Germany.
What’s Next for the Super Eagles?
The Super Eagles’ decline highlights a pressing need for improvement as the team gears up for World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March 2025. With no more scheduled matches for the rest of the year, Nigeria has little opportunity to improve its ranking before the final FIFA update for 2024, slated for December 14.
To regain their former glory, the Super Eagles must address key issues such as consistency, tactical discipline, and squad depth. The team’s leadership, coaching staff, and players need to refocus and prepare rigorously for the challenges ahead.
A Call to Action
Nigeria’s passionate fanbase deserves a team that competes at the highest level. The Super Eagles’ drop in the rankings should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian football authorities. Investments in player development, coaching, and infrastructure are critical to ensuring the team remains a formidable force in Africa and on the global stage.
As the countdown to the 2025 World Cup qualifiers begins, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to see how they respond to this setback. Can they rise to the occasion and reclaim their place among football’s elite? Only time will tell.