FIFA Rankings: Nigeria drop significantly after disappointing 2025 AFCON qualifiers

By: Monsurah Olatunji

In the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, Nigeria’s senior men’s national team suffered a significant fall, a shift that has shaken the nation’s football scene.

After previously ranking 39th in the world and climbing to 36th in the prior update, the Super Eagles have dropped eight places to 44th globally.

This downturn follows a series of underwhelming performances during the final rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers, where Nigeria’s lackluster results against Benin Republic and Rwanda played a pivotal role in the drop.

While the Super Eagles’ ranking declined, other African teams have experienced shifts. Ghana dropped four spots to 77th, while South Africa’s Bafana Bafana gained ground, climbing three positions to 57th.

On a brighter note for Africa, Niger Republic emerged as the biggest mover in this cycle, surging nine spots to 122nd.

Despite these fluctuations, Nigeria remains among the top five teams in Africa, though there has been one notable change: Algeria has overtaken the Super Eagles, now sitting in 4th place.

Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt continue to lead the continent’s footballing charge, with Nigeria now ranked 5th in Africa.

Top 10 African Teams:

1. Morocco – 14th
2. Senegal – 17th
3. Egypt – 33rd
4. Algeria – 37th
5. Nigeria – 44th
6. Côte d’Ivoire – 46th
7. Cameroon – 49th
8. Mali – 51st
9. Tunisia – 52nd
10. South Africa – 57th

Notable Movements:

• Biggest rise by points: Niger (+31.23 points)
• Biggest rise by ranks: Niger (+9 positions)
• Biggest drop by points: Congo DR (-35.53 points)
• Biggest drop by ranks: Congo, Nigeria, Sierra Leone (down 8 positions)

As Nigeria reflects on its fall in the FIFA rankings, the next update, set for December 19th, will provide an opportunity for the Super Eagles to reclaim some ground.

With the 2025 AFCON just around the corner, there is much for the team to play for.