Super Eagles Drop to 45th in FIFA Ranking

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped one place to 45th in the latest FIFA World Ranking, raising fresh concerns about their fading hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The slip marks Nigeria’s lowest ranking in five years and sees them overtaken by African champions Côte d’Ivoire, who now sit 44th. The decline reflects the Super Eagles’ poor run in Group C of the African qualifiers, where they remain third after eight matches.

South Africa, Nigeria’s fiercest rivals in the group, are enjoying a surge in form. Bafana Bafana climbed to 55th in the world — their highest position since 2021 — following a 3-0 win over Lesotho and a 1-1 draw against Nigeria earlier this month. With 17 points, they lead Group C and are now firm favorites for automatic qualification.

Benin Republic is also on the rise under former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr. Back-to-back victories over Lesotho (4-0) and Zimbabwe (1-0) lifted them to 93rd, while Zimbabwe slid to 125th, Rwanda stayed 127th, and Lesotho dropped to 153rd.

On the continental stage, Morocco remain Africa’s top side after climbing to 11th globally, leapfrogging Germany. Senegal follows at 18th, with Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire rounding out the top five. Nigeria, now sixth in Africa, face mounting pressure to restore their dominance.

Globally, Spain reclaimed the number one spot, ending Argentina’s reign at the summit. France sits second, Argentina third, England fourth, and Portugal fifth. Brazil, once perennial leaders, fell to sixth.

For Nigeria, the stakes could not be higher. With just 11 points — six behind group leaders South Africa — the Super Eagles must win their final two qualifiers against Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home) next month to stand any chance of reaching the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Anything less could see Nigeria miss out on football’s biggest stage for the second time in eight years — an unthinkable scenario for one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.

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