Despite missing out on the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria have climbed three places to 38th in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings released.
The ranking update, which captured 149 national-team matches played worldwide since the last release, reflects the Super Eagles’ 4–1 victory over Gabon and their 1–1 draw with DR Congo, which ended in a 4–3 penalty defeat in the African play-off.
Although the World Cup heartbreak still lingers, the results were enough to move Nigeria upward, with the Super Eagles now boasting 1,502.46 points. This places them fifth in Africa, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria.
Morocco remain the continent’s highest-ranked team with 1,713.12 points, followed by Senegal in 19th place with 1,648.07 points, Egypt in 34th with 1,520.68 points, and Algeria in 35th with 1,516.37 points.
Nigeria’s regional standing also shows how tight the race is among Africa’s top sides. The Super Eagles hold a slim lead over Tunisia, who are 40th with 1,497.13 points, and are ahead of Ivory Coast (1,489.59 points) and DR Congo (1,442.50 points).
Globally, Spain remain top, followed by Argentina and France. Brazil moved up two places to fifth after recent strong performances, allowing room for other nations to shift positions.
For Nigeria, the rise to 38th serves as modest consolation following the painful play-off exit in Rabat, where Frank Onyeka opened scoring before Elia Meschack’s equaliser forced penalties that denied the Super Eagles a ticket to the expanded 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The timing of the ranking is significant, as Nigeria now turn their attention to the Africa Cup of Nations in December. A strong performance in Morocco could further boost their global position and restore confidence ahead of future qualifiers.
