The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped one place in the African standings of the latest FIFA rankings, paying the price for missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. The rankings were updated after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final, ending Lionel Messi's final World Cup campaign.
Egypt Leapfrogs Nigeria in African Standings
According to FIFA, Nigeria remains 26th in the world overall, but Egypt's strong performance at the World Cup allowed them to surpass the Super Eagles in the continental rankings. Egypt advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated, earning enough ranking points to move ahead of Nigeria.
Morocco, Africa's top-ranked side, climbed to sixth place globally, just one position shy of Nigeria's historic best ranking of fifth, achieved in 1994. Morocco reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup and maintained strong form, closing in on Nigeria's all-time high.
Nigeria's World Cup Absence
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) later filed a petition to FIFA, alleging that DR Congo had fielded ineligible players, but the governing body dismissed the complaint.
The Super Eagles' next opportunity to regain ground in the rankings comes in September 2027, when the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers begin. The NFF has confirmed the schedule, and manager Eric Chelle will look to lead the team back to continental prominence.
Chelle Reflects on World Cup Miss
In an interview during the World Cup, Chelle admitted that his second game in charge cost Nigeria the ticket. He took over midway through the qualifiers and acknowledged the disappointment of missing the tournament. The team will now focus on the 2027 AFCON qualifiers to rebuild momentum.
