Nigeria faces massive setback in latest FIFA rankings

The Super Eagles have experienced a significant fall in the latest FIFA world rankings, dropping from 36th to 44th globally, marking the biggest decline among all nations in November, News360 Nigeria reports. 

This eight-place drop is the largest recorded by the three-time African champions in recent years.

The decline follows a disappointing international window, highlighted by a shocking 2-1 home loss to Rwanda in the final phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The defeat at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo ended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the qualifying series. Prior to that, the team managed only a 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Ivory Coast.

While the draw secured Nigeria’s spot at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, it also contributed to the team’s sharp decline in global rankings.

In contrast, Argentina retained their position as the top-ranked team in the world. Meanwhile, Niger made the most progress in the rankings, climbing nine spots from 131st to 122nd and earning the most points (31.23) in this update.

The Super Eagles will need to regroup and deliver improved performances to reclaim their status on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Comoros are the newest highest-ranked team climbing to 103rd while DR Congo lost the most points (35.53)

Nigeria’s eight-place drop in the world has seen them ranked fifth in Africa, moving one place down from their previous fourth position.

This is the Eagles’ biggest drop since February 2024 when they moved from 42nd in the world to 28th and third on the continent to record their best leap since 2013.

Morocco retained their number one spot on the continent despite dropping one place to 14th in the world. They are followed by second-place Senegal, who moved up three places to rank 17th in the world.

Egypt maintained their third spot on the continent but dropped three places in the world with the Pharaohs now placed 33rd globally.

Algeria leapfrogged Nigeria to occupy the fourth position and retained their 37th position in the world.

Meanwhile, World Cup winners, Argentina, remains the number one ranked side despite losing a game to Paraguay in the qualifiers.

France are second, with Spain, England and Brazil completing the Top 5.