FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking: Super Eagles projected to move from 39th to 36th, fourth in Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are projected to move from 39th to 36th when the October FIFA world rankings are released on Thursday.

The Nigerians are also projected to move from sixth to fourth in Africa after defeating Libya 1-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state earlier this month.

It will be the second time in 2024 the Super Eagles will move up in FIFA rankings in 2024 after three consecutive drops between April and September 2024.

Nigeria started the year with a big move after placing second at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, moving 14 places up from 42nd in December 2023 to 28th in the world, and from sixth in Africa to third.

The Super Eagles would however drop two places in April after a win and a loss in the two international friendlies played in March.

With a draw at home against South Africa and a first ever competitive loss to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in the two FIFA World Cup qualifying games played in June, the Super Eagles dropped eight places to 38 and from third to fifth in Africa.

The Nigerians dropped a step to 39th in the world in July and retained their new status in September in the world dropped to a new low in Africa, dropping from fifth to sixth, their lowest in Africa since December of the preceding year.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s Atlas Lions are expected to retain their status as the top ranked Africa nation with a move from 14th to 13th in the world and are followed by Senegal who moved up a step from 21st to 20th while Egypt are also projected to move a step up from 31st to 30th in the world.

Africa champion, Cote D’Ivoire dropped by seven places to 40th in the world while Algeria are projected to move four places up 37th.

Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group rivals, Benin Republic and Libya are projected to drop with the former dropping five places to 95th while Libya drop to 122nd from 121st.

Rwanda, the third team in the group are projected to move four places up to 126th.