Nigeria’s historic FIFA ranking record has been matched by Morocco, 32 years after the Super Eagles reached fifth in the world.
The Atlas Lions have moved up to fifth in the latest FIFA live ranking. They climbed above Brazil after the five-time world champions drew 1-1 with Australia.
Nigeria first reached fifth place in April 1994.
It remains the highest FIFA ranking ever achieved by an African national team. Morocco have now equalled that record.
Nigeria’s Historic 1994 Achievement
The Super Eagles reached fifth during a memorable year for Nigerian football.
Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 before making their World Cup debut in the United States.
The team also reached the Round of 16 at USA 1994.
Nigeria eventually lost 2-1 to Italy after extra time.
It took 32 years for another African nation to match the Super Eagles’ historic ranking.
Morocco Match Nigeria’s Record
Morocco’s rise has come during a strong period for the Atlas Lions.
They became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022.
Morocco followed that achievement with another impressive campaign at the 2026 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals.
The team now sits fifth in FIFA’s live ranking with 1,803.99 points.
Brazil are sixth with 1,802.90 points after their draw with Australia.
The ranking remains unofficial, with FIFA expected to release its next official ranking on October 7.
Nigeria’s Current FIFA Ranking
The development comes at a challenging period for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria entered the latest international window ranked 26th in the world.
Guinea-Bissau were ranked 132nd.
The Super Eagles defeated Madagascar in their opening game before suffering a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.
The defeat did not directly affect Morocco’s rise to fifth. Brazil’s draw with Australia allowed Morocco to move above them.
However, Morocco’s achievement has renewed attention on Nigeria’s historic place in African football.
The Super Eagles remain the first African national team to reach fifth in the FIFA rankings.
Morocco have now matched that record 32 years after Nigeria achieved it.
