By Nurudeen Obalola
The Super Eagles are ending the year in the 44th position in the world, according to the latest FIFA ranking published on Thursday.
The three-time African champions retained their position from November, with the same 1,482 points.
On the whole, it is a massive drop for the Super Eagles from how they began 2024 in the world ranking.
Nigeria were 28th in the world in the first ranking of the year, released just days after the Super Eagles reached the Africa Cup of Nations final in Cote d’Ivoire.
Then, they had 1,522 points and were ranked third in Africa, behind only Morocco and Senegal.
The Super Eagles have gradually slipped down the ladder throughout the year, dropping to 30th in April, 38th in June, and 39th in July and September.
They climbed slightly to 36th in October before descending by eight spots to 44th in the world in November.
In Africa, the Super Eagles are ending the year in fifth place, with Morocco retaining top spot on the continent, followed by Senegal, Egypt and Algeria.
The decline of the Super Eagles is linked to their poor results in qualifying matches for both the AFCON and 2026 World Cup, including defeats to Benin Republic and Rwanda as well as draws with Lesotho, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, all ranked much lower than Nigeria.
Globally, 2022 World Cup winners Argentina remain the top team, with France, Spain, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Germany completing the top 10.
