Super Eagles Climb To 41st In FIFA World Rankings

Super Eagles of Nigeria have moved up four places to 41st in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, reclaiming their position among Africa’s top five teams.

The updated rankings, released by FIFA on Friday, October 17, highlight Nigeria’s steady progress under coach Eric Chelle following a strong performance in their last two 2026 World Cup qualification games. The Super Eagles, previously 45th, leapfrogged the Ivory Coast, who dropped to 42nd.

Naija News reports that Nigeria’s rise was fuelled by back-to-back wins in the qualifiers. They edged Lesotho 2-1 in Polokwane before producing a dominant 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic in Uyo.

The results not only boosted their ranking points but also sealed their place in the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagles will next face Gabon, ranked 77th in the world and 15th in Africa, for a place in the final playoff round. If they progress, a showdown with either Cameroon or DR Congo will follow.

On the continental scene, Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked side despite slipping one spot to 12th globally. Senegal sit second in Africa and 18th in the world, followed by Egypt in 32nd and Algeria in 35th, with Nigeria rounding out the top five.

Completing Africa’s top ten are the Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, and South Africa.

Globally, Spain continue to lead after a strong run in World Cup qualifying, defeating Georgia and Bulgaria. World champions Argentina climbed back to second place after friendly wins over Venezuela and Puerto Rico, while France dropped to third following a 2-2 draw against Iceland.