Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has fallen to the 38th position in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday.
This marks a significant shift for the team, which now holds 1,498.93 points, down from its previous tally of 1,520.27 points.
The drop from the 30th position reflects ongoing challenges for the Super Eagles on the international stage. Following their runner-up finish at the African Cup of Nations, where they lost 2-1 to the host nation, Nigeria’s subsequent performances have been less than stellar.
In recent matches, the Super Eagles drew 1-1 against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in a match played in Ivory Coast. These results have cast doubt on Nigeria’s prospects for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
While Nigeria struggles, Argentina continues to dominate the FIFA rankings. The South American powerhouse maintains its top position, gaining 2.14 points to reach a total of 1,860.14. This consistent high-level performance solidifies Argentina’s status as the leading football nation globally.
Liberia emerged as the biggest climber, leaping 10 positions to achieve its highest-ever rank of 142nd. Liberia also scored the most points, adding 37.47 to its tally. In contrast, Equatorial Guinea experienced the most significant drop, falling 10 positions and losing 47.53 points.
The FIFA rankings are calculated using the Elo model, which factors in team strength, match importance, and results. This comprehensive approach ensures a balanced and accurate reflection of global football standings.
As Nigeria works to regain its footing on the international stage, the team will need to address its recent shortcomings and refocus on securing victories in upcoming qualifiers. The road ahead is challenging, but with strategic improvements, the Super Eagles can aspire to climb back up the rankings.
More details to follow…