By Nurudeen Obalola
The Super Eagles have dropped eight places in the FIFA ranking following dismal displays in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
In the latest world ranking released on Thursday, Nigeria slipped from their previous position of 36th to 44th, losing 21 points (from 1,503 to 1,482).
The Super Eagles struggled in the AFCON qualifiers in November despite sealing their spot in the tournament scheduled for Morocco in December next year and January 2026.
First, they had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Benin Republic in Abidjan, then they were embarrassed 2-1 by Rwanda in front of home fans in Uyo.
Indeed, according to FIFA, Nigeria suffered the biggest drop in the ranking this month, while Niger had the biggest climb, rising by nine spots from 131st in the world to 122nd.
The Super Eagles are, however, in the top five in Africa, occupying the fifth spot on the continent behind Morocco (14th in the world), Senegal (17th), Egypt (33rd) and Algeria (37th).
Meanwhile, Benin Republic and Rwanda benefitted from the results against Nigeria to rise in the ranking.
The Cheetahs of Benin Republic, handled by former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr, climbed one spot to 94th in the world, while Rwanda’s Amavubi moved up two spots to 124th.
Globally, Argentina remain at the top of the ranking table, with France second and Spain third.
England are fourth and Brazil complete the top five.
