Nigeria have climbed to 38th place globally in the latest FIFA rankings released on Wednesday, marking a modest rise for the Super Eagles following a busy international window.
Despite the improvement, Nigeria remain fifth in Africa, still behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria, who retain their positions as the continent’s top four sides.
FIFA said the latest movement in the rankings reflects the outcomes of 149 international matches, including 79 friendlies, as well as the completion of UEFA and CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers and the final CAF and AFC play-off fixtures. The new table will also guide Thursday’s draws for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Off Tournament and the European Play-Off in Zurich.
Spain maintained their status as the world’s number one team, followed by Argentina, France and England, while Brazil were the biggest climbers in the top ten, rising two places to fifth, pushing Portugal and the Netherlands into sixth and seventh respectively.
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Nigeria’s rise follows two competitive matches played during the window. The Super Eagles now hold 1,502.46 points, placing them just above Tunisia, who sit 40th with 1,497.13 points. Ivory Coast and DR Congo follow with 1,489.59 and 1,442.50 points respectively.
On the African ladder, Morocco lead with 1,713.12 points, ranking 13th globally and holding a 210.66-point gap over Nigeria. Senegal follow with 1,648.07 points, while Egypt (1,520.68) and Algeria (1,516.37) complete the continent’s top four.
Nigeria’s improvement offers limited solace after their 2026 World Cup play-off defeat, where Frank Onyeka’s early goal in Rabat was cancelled out before a penalty shoot-out dashed the nation’s qualification hopes.
With the Africa Cup of Nations set for December, the timing of the ranking update is crucial. A strong campaign in Morocco could help Nigeria further consolidate or elevate their continental and global standing.
