Super Eagles Suffer FIFA Ranking Setback After Mixed International Window Results
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria national team have slipped in the October FIFA World ranking after suffering mixed results in the international window.
The three-time African champions fell four places, moving from 26th to 30th in the global standings released by FIFA on Wednesday.
The drop also saw Nigeria lose ground among Africa’s elite football nations. The Super Eagles, who were fourth on the continent in the previous ranking are now sixth.
Morocco emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked team, while Egypt, Senegal, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire also moved ahead of Nigeria.
The latest ranking comes after a turbulent run for Eric Chelle’s tutored side who managed just one victory in three recent international outings.
Nigeria opened the sequence with a 2-1 home victory over Madagascar, but the positive result was followed by a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles ended the period with a more encouraging display against Russia, fighting back in an entertaining 3-3 draw in Tuesday’s international friendly.
Despite avoiding defeat against Russia, the combination of results was not enough to prevent Nigeria from losing ground in the FIFA standings.
World champions, Spain maintained their position at the top of the global ranking ahead of Argentina, France, England and Portugal.
Brazil occupy sixth place, followed by Morocco, the Netherlands, Belgium and Mexico, who complete the world’s top 10.
Nigeria will have an opportunity to improve its ranking position when the next FIFA men’s world ranking is published on November 18, 2026.
