Nigeria’s Super Eagles have made significant progress in the latest FIFA World Rankings, rising four places to occupy 41st position globally and fifth in Africa.
The rise comes on the back of impressive performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria secured crucial results against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
According to FIFA, the ranking is determined by several factors including match results, opponent strength, competition importance, and regional weighting. Every official fixture whether a friendly, qualifier, or tournament game contributes to a country’s total points.
Despite dropping one spot, Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked side at 12th globally, while Senegal stays in 18th place and second in Africa. Egypt climbed to 32nd, taking third on the continent, followed closely by Algeria in 34th.
Nigeria’s World Cup playoff opponent, Gabon, sits 77th worldwide and 15th in Africa, having lost only two of their last 12 matches across all competitions.
Other CAF playoff contenders include Cameroon (54th) and DR Congo (60th).
With Nigeria’s improved ranking, a victory in the CAF playoff round could see the Super Eagles advance directly to the intercontinental final, bypassing the semifinal stage a crucial boost to their World Cup qualification hopes.
