Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a significant drop in the latest FIFA World Rankings, released on Thursday. They fell to 44th position, an eight-place decline from their previous ranking of 36th, the largest drop globally for this period.
The decline is attributed to the team’s underwhelming performance in their final qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. During this ranking window, Nigeria drew 1-1 with the Benin Republic in Abidjan and lost 2-1 to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles have struggled to regain their footing, having dropped eight places to 38th in June. Despite marginal gains, the team’s recent string of uninspiring results has led to this substantial drop.
Historically, the Super Eagles started at 13th when FIFA first introduced its rankings in December 1992. The team achieved its highest-ever ranking of Number.5 in April 1994, following their Africa Cup of Nations victory, which preceded their first World Cup appearance.
After being eliminated by Italy in the World Cup’s second round, the team fell to Number. 10.
Notably, the Super Eagles have occupied top-10 spots, including Number 5 on 19 April 1994, Number. 7 on 17 May 1994, and Number. 9 on 22 November 2006.
Unfortunately, their lowest ranking occurred in November 1999, when they dropped to Number. 82.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
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