Eagles soar past Côte d’Ivoire to 41st in FIFA Rankings, reclaim 5th in Africa

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed back into the top five on the African continent and now sit 41st in the world, following a strong showing in the October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The team’s resurgence comes after victories over Lesotho in Polokwane and a 4-0 annihilation of Benin Republic in Uyo, securing their place in next month’s CAF playoffs.

The latest FIFA rankings mark a four place leap for Nigeria, who were previously 45th in September. The Super Eagles had temporarily lost their fifth place continental standing to Côte d’Ivoire, but the Ivorians’ modest two spot rise, from 44th to 42nd globally, was not enough to maintain their edge over Nigeria.

Morocco remains Africa’s highest ranked nation despite slipping one place to 12th in the world.

Senegal holds firm at 18th globally and second on the continent, while Egypt climbs three spots to 32nd but retains third place in Africa. Algeria also moved up three places, from 38th to 35th, holding onto fourth position. Nigeria’s return to fifth rounds out the continent’s elite.

Globally, Spain have solidified their hold on the number one spot, thanks to consecutive wins that reinforced their position after dethroning Argentina in the previous ranking.

The reigning world champions, Argentina, have moved up to second, leapfrogging France, who now sit third after a costly 2–2 draw against Iceland in UEFA qualifiers.

Germany’s upward momentum sees them reclaim 10th place, displacing Croatia, who drop to 11th after a disappointing qualifier.

The Netherlands edge into sixth, overtaking Brazil, who fall to seventh following a stumble in a friendly against Japan.