Super Eagles of Nigeria have climbed three places to 38th in the latest FIFA men’s world ranking announced on Wednesday, a notable rise that comes despite the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The updated standings, which factored in 149 international fixtures played since the last release, rewarded the Super Eagles for their 4–1 win over Gabon and the 1–1 draw with DR Congo, which ended in a 4–3 penalty defeat in the African play-off.
The results were sufficient to move Nigeria forward in the global table, bringing their total points to 1,502.46.
Nigeria remain the fifth-highest-ranked team in Africa, trailing Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria.
The continental picture remains closely fought, withTunisia just behind Nigeria on 1,497.13 points, while Ivory Coast and DR Congo also stay within striking distance.
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FIFA noted that shifts in the rankings were affected by final qualification matches across confederations. At the top end of the table, Spain stay ranked No. 1, with Argentina and France completing the top three. Brazil climbed to fifth, opening space for movement elsewhere in the standings.
Although missing out on the 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico remains a national setback, the ranking bump offers a measure of consolation.
Nigeria’s decisive start to the play-off in Rabat – with Frank Onyeka giving the side an early lead – was undone by Elia Meschack’s equaliser and subsequent penalty shoot-out drama.
With the Africa Cup of Nations set for December, the timing of the upward shift provides renewed incentive.
A strong showing in Morocco could allow Nigeria to consolidate their position or push further up the global hierarchy.
