Nigeria Rises in FIFA Rankings to 38th Despite World Cup Setback

Nigeria have climbed three spots to 38th in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, released on Wednesday, following a month in which the Super Eagles played two key competitive fixtures.

The ranking update, which covered 149 national-team matches worldwide since the previous release, reflects Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon and a 1–1 draw with DR Congo that ended in a 4–3 penalty defeat during the African World Cup play-off.

Although missing out on the 2026 World Cup was a disappointment, those results were enough to lift the Super Eagles in the standings. Nigeria’s new points total is 1,502.46, making them the fifth-ranked African nation behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria.

Morocco remain Africa’s top team with 1,713.12 points, followed by Senegal in 19th place with 1,648.07 points, Egypt 34th on 1,520.68 points, and Algeria 35th on 1,516.37 points.

The continental rankings show a tightly contested group around Nigeria. The Super Eagles hold a narrow lead over Tunisia, 40th with 1,497.13 points, and maintain wider margins over rivals Ivory Coast and DR Congo, which have 1,489.59 and 1,442.50 points, respectively. Morocco, by contrast, lead Africa by a commanding 210.66 points.

FIFA noted that movements in the rankings were largely influenced by results across confederations and the completion of final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Spain remain top in the world, with reigning champions Argentina and France close behind. Brazil rose two places to fifth, creating room for other nations to move up.

For Nigeria, the rise to 38th offers a small consolation amid the national disappointment. In the World Cup play-off in Rabat, Frank Onyeka gave the Super Eagles an early lead, but Elia Meschack’s equaliser and a subsequent penalty shoot-out ultimately denied Nigeria a place at the expanded 48-team finals co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The timing of the ranking update is significant, with the Africa Cup of Nations set for December. Nigeria now have an immediate opportunity to consolidate or improve their position, and a strong performance in Morocco could push them further up the table.