The Super Eagles have dropped in the latest FIFA ranking released today following the disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, who both climbed.
Three-time African champions Nigeria were only able to draw 1-1 with Lesotho in Uyo and with the same scoreline with Zimbabwe in Rwanda in the last international break this month to get their qualifying campaign off to a shaky start.
Now, Jose Peseiro’s side have slid from 40th in the FIFA ranking to 42nd and dropped 16 points, the most by any team in Africa’s top 15.
The Super Eagles however remain sixth in Africa, behind Morocco (13th in the world), Senegal (20th in the world), Tunisia (28th in the world), Algeria (30th in the world and Egypt (33rd in the world).
After the stunning draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in which they scored first, Lesotho rose five spots to 148th in the world and gained 13 points.
Zimbabwe, who also scored first against the Super Eagles, moved up one spot to 124th in the world.
Globally, world champions Argentina remain in the first position, with France second and England moving from fourth to third.
Belgium, who also climbed one place, are fourth, with Brazil dropping from third to fifth following World Cup qualifying defeats to Colombia and Argentina.
Portugal, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Croatia complete the world’s top 10 positions.
The Comoros Islands are the biggest movers, rising nine spots to 119th after World Cup qualifying victories over.
The tiny island country’s new position is their highest ever in the FIFA ranking.
