FIFA Ranking: Nigeria’s Super Eagles slip, but still beat Ghana & South Africa

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped one spot in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday, falling to 44th in the world.

Despite this slip, the team maintains its status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses, remaining ahead of arch-rivals Ghana and South Africa in the continental pecking order.

The new ranking sees Nigeria move from 43rd to 44th in the world, a slight setback following a period of mixed results, including their Unity Cup win in London under new coach Eric Chelle.

However, the Super Eagles remain Africa’s fifth-ranked team, trailing only Morocco (12th), Senegal (18th), Egypt (34th), and Algeria (36th).

Ivory Coast, who recently overtook Nigeria, now sit just behind the Super Eagles on the continent after dropping four spots.

Despite the drop, Nigeria continues to outperform Ghana and South Africa, who are ranked 76th and 56th respectively.

The latest rankings also highlight significant progress for other nations. Senegal, buoyed by strong performances, have cemented their berth in the world’s top 20, showing their status as Africa’s leading side.

On the global stage, the top five remains unchanged, while Mexico’s Gold Cup win has propelled them to 13th, leapfrogging the United States, now 15th.

• Norway: Up five places to 33rd

• Paraguay: Up five to 43rd

• North Macedonia: Up five to 62nd

• Zambia: Up five to 83rd

• Costa Rica: Biggest climber, up 14 places to 40th

In Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Laos all made impressive gains, while Bermuda and Grenada recorded even greater advances in the rankings.

Despite the Super Eagles’ recent slip, Nigeria’s position ahead of key continental rivals and within Africa’s top five reaffirms the team’s enduring strength and competitive edge on the international stage.