Nigeria’s Super Eagles have made a significant leap in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, moving up three places from 39th to 36th globally, marking a strong resurgence under the leadership of interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. The rankings, released on Thursday, October 24, showcase Nigeria’s progress and rising form, solidifying their position among Africa’s elite footballing nations.
Eguavoen’s impact has been instrumental in Nigeria’s revival. Since taking charge, he has brought much-needed stability and consistency, guiding the team to impressive results on the pitch. This turnaround has propelled the Super Eagles to fourth place in Africa, overtaking both Tunisia and reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, Cote d’Ivoire.
The latest rankings position Nigeria behind Morocco (13th globally), Senegal (20th), and Egypt (30th) on the African continent. This rise reinforces the Super Eagles’ standing as one of Africa’s top footballing forces ahead of the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Nigeria’s key AFCON qualifying opponents have seen varied fortunes in the rankings. The Benin Republic, their next opponent, has slipped to 95th place, while Rwanda has improved slightly, climbing to 126th. Libya, also in Nigeria’s qualifying group, dropped to 122nd.
Elsewhere, traditional African powerhouses are facing tougher times. Ghana, who had long been a force in African football, has dropped to 73rd place, while South Africa slipped to 60th, further illustrating the shifting dynamics in African football.
Algeria, meanwhile, enjoyed a notable rise, climbing four spots to 37th, just behind Nigeria, while Cameroon saw a slight improvement, moving up to 49th globally.
With Eguavoen at the helm, the Super Eagles appear to be regaining their competitive edge, signaling optimism for Nigerian football’s future. Their upward trajectory in the rankings is a testament to their recent performances and resilience, particularly as they look ahead to their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign.