Nigeria’s Super Eagles have fallen out of Africa’s top five in the latest FIFA World Ranking, slipping to 45th place worldwide. South Africa trail behind in 55th, but the gap between the continental rivals has narrowed.
‎The drop follows a mixed run of results in the September international window. Nigeria managed a narrow home win over Rwanda in Uyo but failed to defeat South Africa, settling for a draw that proved costly in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
‎That stumble allowed AFCON champions Côte d’Ivoire to climb into Africa’s top five at Nigeria’s expense. Only weeks ago, the Super Eagles had climbed from 43rd to 44th, appearing stable among the continent’s elite, but the latest setback has shifted the balance.
‎Globally, Spain have surged to the top of the FIFA rankings, replacing Argentina, who slipped to third. France hold second, England remain fourth, while Portugal round out the top five after leapfrogging Brazil.
