Super Eagles Drop in FIFA Rankings: A Cause for Concern?
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have long been one of Africa’s top football teams, but the latest FIFA rankings tell a different story with Nigeria now 6th in Africa.
Although Nigeria moved up to 43rd in the world, the team has dropped to sixth place in Africa, falling out of the continent’s top five. The new rankings place Morocco (12th), Senegal (19th), Egypt (32nd), Algeria (36th), and Côte d’Ivoire (41st) ahead of the Super Eagles.
Is This Just a Temporary Setback?
Rankings are based on results, and while Nigeria’s recent form hasn’t been bad—two wins and two draws in their last four matches—their failure to secure convincing wins against lower-ranked teams has affected their position.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire’s AFCON victory helped them climb higher, while Morocco and Senegal continue to perform well on the global stage.
Although the Super Eagles did well in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been disappointing.
Problems Within the NFF
One major issue affecting Nigeria is the lack of stability in coaching. In just two years, the Super Eagles have had four different coaches.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has struggled with key appointments, leaving the team without clear direction. In contrast, Morocco and Senegal have stuck with long-term coaching projects—and they are benefiting from it.
Another problem is Nigeria’s reliance on experienced players without properly preparing younger talents. Without a solid plan for the future, the Super Eagles risk losing their dominance in African football.
Can Nigeria Bounce Back?
Despite the ranking drop, Nigeria still has a strong squad featuring Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, and many others. However, talent alone is not enough.
For the Super Eagles to return to the top, the NFF must take action by ensuring coaching stability and prioritising youth development.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and AFCON tournaments ahead, Nigeria must learn from this setback and make the right decisions. If they do, the Super Eagles can rise again.
