- Nigeria remains 39th globally but drops to 6th in Africa in the latest FIFA rankings
- Morocco remains Africa’s top football team, building on their 2022 World Cup success
- South Africa drops to 59th globally and 11th in Africa after mixed AFCON results
In the latest FIFA rankings released by the football governing body on Thursday, September 19, Nigeria’s Super Eagles managed to maintain their global standing at 39th, despite dropping one spot to 6th place in Africa. This came as a slight surprise, especially following their commanding performances in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
The Super Eagles team seemed certain to move upward the rankings chart, especially after a convincing 3-0 win over the Benin Republic in Uyo and a goalless draw against Rwanda in Kigali. However, a minor dip in the ranking points from 1498.93 to 1498.02 saw them slip out of the top five African teams, overtaken by Tunisia.
The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking revealed increasing competition within African football, with Morocco solidifying its position at the top after an impressive 2022 World Cup campaign. Morocco continues to lead the continent, followed closely by Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Tunisia, with Nigeria now sitting in sixth place.
South Africa, who had a mixed showing in their AFCON qualifiers, winning against South Sudan but drawing with East African side, Uganda, dropped two places globally to 59th and slipped one spot in Africa to 11th, following a 2-2 draw against Sudan and a 3-2 victory over South Sudan.
Nigeria will be looking to regain its spot in the top five as they prepare for a home-and-away AFCON qualifier against Libya in Group D. South Africa, too, will face Congo Brazzaville in their quest to top Group K.
At the global level, the top 10 remained the same, with World Cup winners Argentina maintaining their position at number one. France, Spain, England, and Brazil round out the top five. Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Colombia, and Italy complete the top 10.
Meanwhile, San Marino, despite achieving their first victory in over 20 years, remains at the bottom of the rankings in 210th place.
Former Super Eagles coach Peseiro shares why he didn't continue with Nigeria
Previously, TheRadar reported that former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro has finally revealed why he parted ways with Nigeria after leading the team to the 2023 AFCON final.
His decision to step down, despite coming close to winning Africa's most prestigious football tournament, was long concluded even before the AFCON final match in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite attempts from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Sports Minister, John Enoh, to convince him to stay for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and upcoming AFCON qualifiers, Peseiro felt he had reached his limit.
