Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped to 44th place in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, marking their lowest position since June 2019 when they were ranked 45th. This drop comes despite the team remaining unbeaten in recent matches, highlighting how FIFA’s ranking system values not just results, but the quality and significance of each game.
The new rankings, released on Thursday, also see Nigeria drop to fifth place in Africa, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria. This decline has raised concerns among fans and football analysts who believe Nigeria’s performance on the international stage is not being accurately reflected by results alone.
Recent Results: Unbeaten Yet Falling
Under coach Finidi George, the Super Eagles drew 1–1 with South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier and followed that with a disappointing 2–1 loss to Benin Republic. Despite an earlier unbeaten streak, including friendlies and the Unity Cup, the combination of a high-profile loss and lack of convincing wins in competitive fixtures has impacted Nigeria’s ranking.
Nigeria’s total points moved from 1481.35 to 1484.26—a marginal increase of just +2.91 points, insufficient to maintain or improve their position on the global table.
Understanding FIFA Rankings: Why Nigeria Slipped
FIFA’s ranking system is calculated using a formula that takes into account:
- Match Result:
- Win = More points
- Draw = Fewer points
- Loss = Points lost or no gain
- Match Importance:
- World Cup and major tournament matches carry the most weight.
- Friendlies and low-stakes games add minimal points, even when won.
- Opponent Strength:
- Beating or drawing with higher-ranked teams gives a bigger boost.
- Wins against much lower-ranked teams yield little improvement.
- Confederation Strength:
- Matches against teams from stronger football continents (like Europe and South America) carry slightly more weight than those against teams from Africa or Asia.
In Nigeria’s case:
- The draw against South Africa (ranked lower) and the loss to Benin Republic (even lower) provided little to no positive movement.
- Previous friendlies, though unbeaten, didn’t offer enough ranking weight because of their low importance factor.
- Inconsistent performances over the past year have also meant that Nigeria’s average ranking has remained stagnant, sometimes even dropping.
Continental Standings:
- Morocco – 12th globally (1st in Africa)
- Senegal – 18th
- Egypt – 34th
- Algeria – 36th
- Nigeria – 44th
- Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Cameroon, Mali, and South Africa trail closely behind.
The gap between Nigeria and top African teams like Morocco and Senegal is widening, largely because those nations consistently perform well in major competitions and secure wins against higher-ranked opponents.
Global Picture:
- Argentina remains the world’s No. 1 team, followed by Spain, France, England, and Brazil.
- Nations like Mexico and Costa Rica made significant jumps after strong tournament showings, proving how important competitive match wins are to the rankings.
What Nigeria Needs to Climb the Rankings:
- Win More Competitive Matches:
Victories in World Cup qualifiers, AFCON matches, and other high-stakes competitions matter far more than friendlies. - Target Strong Opponents:
Scheduling and winning matches against higher-ranked teams can deliver more ranking points. - Avoid Losses to Lower-ranked Sides:
Defeats like the one to Benin Republic have an outsized negative impact because of the opponent’s low ranking. - Consistency:
Steady performance over multiple ranking periods helps build momentum and improves seeding for major tournaments.
Nigeria’s drop to 44th reflects more than just recent match outcomes it highlights the importance of understanding how FIFA’s ranking system works. For the Super Eagles to regain their position among the top 30 football nations, they will need to combine consistent victories, stronger opposition, and solid tournament performances.
The next FIFA ranking update is scheduled for September 18, giving the team a clear window to recover lost ground.
