Nigeria’s Super Eagles have recorded the largest drop in the November FIFA rankings, sliding eight places from 36th to 44th in the world, according to the latest update published on Thursday by the global football governing body.
The drop marks a significant decline for the three-time African champions, who have endured a challenging international window. Their performance included a shock 2-1 defeat to Rwanda at home in the final stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The loss ended their unbeaten run in the qualifying series and took place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Earlier, the Super Eagles managed only a 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. While the draw was enough to secure their spot at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, it also contributed to their decline in the global rankings.
With their eight-place drop, the Super Eagles are now ranked fifth in Africa, falling one position from their previous fourth-place standing. Algeria moved up to fourth on the continent while maintaining their 37th spot globally.
Morocco retained their position as Africa’s top-ranked team, despite slipping one spot to 14th in the world. Senegal climbed three spots to rank 17th globally and second in Africa, while Egypt held onto third in Africa but dropped to 33rd worldwide.
On the global stage, Argentina remains the top-ranked team despite a recent defeat to Paraguay in the World Cup qualifiers. France is in second place, followed by Spain, England, and Brazil, completing the top five.
Niger emerged as the biggest climber, leaping nine places from 131st to 122nd and earning the most ranking points (31.23). Conversely, DR Congo recorded the largest points loss (35.53). Comoros reached their highest-ever position, ranking 103rd.
This is Nigeria’s steepest drop in the FIFA rankings since February 2024, when the Super Eagles jumped from 42nd to 28th globally, marking their best leap since 2013.
The Super Eagles’ current ranking underscores the need for a reassessment as they prepare for the AFCON in Morocco and future international competitions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds to this setback.
