FIFA Rankings: Nigeria climb to 41st in world, reclaim place among africa’s elite

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved up four places to 41st in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, reclaiming a spot among the top five football nations in Africa, Sport360NG reports.

The new rankings, published by FIFA on Friday, reflect Nigeria’s resurgence after an impressive run in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The three-time African champions climbed from 45th position to overtake Ivory Coast, who now sit 42nd globally.

Nigeria’s upward movement comes on the back of a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane and a dominant 4-0 victory against Benin Republic in Uyo, results that sealed their progression to the continental playoffs for the World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will next take on Gabon, ranked 77th worldwide and 15th in Africa, for a place in the final round of playoff fixtures, where potential opponents include Cameroon or DR Congo.

Morocco remain the continent’s top-ranked side despite slipping one place to 12th in the world. Senegal follow in second place in Africa and 18th globally, while Egypt (32nd) and Algeria (35th) complete the top four ahead of Nigeria.

On the global scene, Spain continue to lead the FIFA standings, with Argentina moving up to second place ahead of France in third.