Super Eagles FIFA Ranking: Nigeria’s position in the world and Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are ranked 30th in the world and sixth in Africa in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking.

The three-time African champions have 1,567.97 points after dropping four places globally from their previous position of 26th.

The Super Eagles fell from fourth to sixth on the continent, with Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire moving ahead of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s latest position was a result of a mixed international window where they defeated Madagascar 2-1 in their AFCON 2027 qualifiers, lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau and drew 3-3 with Russia in a friendly clash. The results were not enough to prevent a drop in the rankings.

What is the Super Eagles’ current FIFA ranking?

Based on the recent FIFA ranking update released in October 2026, this is how the Super Eagles fare in the World.

• World ranking: 30th
• African ranking: Sixth
• Ranking points: 1,567.97
• Previous world ranking: 26th
• Previous African ranking: Fourth
• Next scheduled update: November 18, 2026

Super Eagles’ position in Africa’s FIFA rankings

Nigeria are currently outside Africa’s top five, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire. The table below shows the continent’s top 10 teams in the October 2026 ranking.

Nigeria’s position can change even when the Super Eagles do not play. Results involving other national teams affect their points and can alter the order of teams around them. FIFA’s ranking system also considers the strength of opponents and the importance of matches.

What is the Super Eagles’ highest-ever FIFA ranking?

Nigeria’s highest-ever position in the FIFA men’s world ranking is fifth, achieved in April 1994.

That historic high came during a significant period for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and qualified for their first FIFA World Cup, held later that year in the United States.

The Green and Whites went on to defeat Bulgaria and Denmark at the World Cup, losing to Argentina in the Group stage and Italy in the knockout round, although they dominated the latter game, with Jay-Jay Okocha recording 15 dribbles, the most by a player in a World Cup game.

The team’s performances established Nigeria among the leading national sides in world football. Although Nigeria have not returned to fifth place since then, their historical peak remains an important benchmark.

What is Nigeria’s lowest-ever FIFA ranking?

Nigeria’s lowest recorded position is 82nd, reached in November 1999.

The contrast between the fifth-place peak and the 82nd-place low illustrates how much the Super Eagles’ position has fluctuated over the years.

Frequent coach changes, losses and inactivity of the national team played a key role in how low the African giants fell in 1999.

How does FIFA calculate the world rankings?

FIFA uses a points-based system known as the SUM model for its men’s world rankings. Introduced in August 2018, the method adds or subtracts points from a team’s existing total after each eligible international match rather than calculating an average over a fixed period.

The number of points gained or lost depends on several factors, including:

• Match result: Whether a team wins, draws or loses.
• Opponent strength: Results against higher-ranked opponents are assessed differently from results against lower-ranked teams.
• Expected result: FIFA considers the outcome expected based on the teams’ relative strengths.
• Match importance: Competitive matches and friendlies carry different weightings.

This means a win does not guarantee a major climb. The points gained depend on the opponent, the expected result and the importance of the match. Likewise, losing to a lower-ranked team can have a greater negative effect than losing to a stronger opponent.

When will FIFA release its next ranking?

FIFA’s next scheduled men’s world ranking update is November 2026.

The Super Eagles’ position may move depending on their results in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers double header against Tanzania.

Frequently asked questions about Super Eagles FIFA Ranking

What is the Super Eagles’ current FIFA ranking?

As of October 2026, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are 30th in the world and sixth in Africa, with 1,567.97 points.

What is the Super Eagles’ highest FIFA ranking?

Nigeria’s highest-ever position is fifth in the world, achieved in April 1994.

What is Nigeria’s lowest FIFA ranking?

The Super Eagles’ lowest recorded position is 82nd, reached in November 1999.

Are the Super Eagles among Africa’s top five teams?

No, the Super Eagles are not in the top five. Nigeria are sixth in Africa, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire.

How often does FIFA update its men’s world ranking?

FIFA publishes official updates several times a year, usually towards the end of scheduled International breaks.

Does FIFA ranking affect World Cup qualification?

No. Qualification is determined by the relevant competition’s qualifying rules and results, not by a team’s position in the FIFA ranking. However, rankings can be used in competition draw procedures and seeding, depending on the tournament’s regulations.