Nigeria Super Eagles drop to 45th in FIFA rankings, falling out of Africa’s top five amid challenges in 2026 World Cup qualifiers

The Nigeria Super Eagles FIFA Ranking has taken a significant dip, with the team sliding to 45th position globally, as revealed in the latest FIFA rankings released yesterday.

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This marks a fall from the top five African nations, a worrying signal for the three-time African champions.

Under coach Eric Sekou Chelle, the Super Eagles have struggled for consistency.

Their recent 1–0 win over Rwanda in Uyo was followed by a 1–1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein, results that have failed to boost their global or continental standing.

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Nigeria now sit third in their group, trailing leaders South Africa by six points and second-placed Benin by three points.

This precarious position leaves their World Cup ambitions hanging by a thread.

On the continental scene, the Super Eagles have dropped to sixth in Africa, behind Morocco (11th globally), Senegal (18th), Egypt (35th), Algeria (38th), and Côte d’Ivoire (44th).

Globally, Spain has reclaimed the top spot, followed by France and world champions Argentina. England and Portugal complete the top five, while Brazil sits sixth.

Among other movements, Slovakia made the biggest gains, while Zimbabwe suffered the steepest decline, dropping nine places to 125th.