Nigeria made a significant leap in the latest FIFA world rankings released yesterday, rising to 41st in the world and 5th in Africa, which resulted  from the recent Super Eagles performance in their recent World Cup qualifier campaign.

The new ranking marks Nigeria’s highest position since October 2024, when the country’s men’s football senior team were ranked 36th globally.

The three-time African champion’s rise comes on the back of a strong run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, beating  Lesotho 2–1 away at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane before pumelling Benin Republic 4–at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria’s current position reflects a significant gain of 11.6 points (from 1,483.86 to 1,495.64).

On the continent, the Atlas Lions of Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked team, though they dropped one place to 12th globally.

Senegal stay second on the continent and 18th worldwide, while Egypt and Algeria follow in third and fourth after improving to 32nd and 35th, respectively. Nigeria’s resurgence pushes them back into fifth place, overtaking Côte d’Ivoire, who fell to sixth.

Further down the list, Tunisia (49th), Cameroon (50th), South Africa (54th), Mali (56th), and Ghana (58th) complete Africa’s top ten.

Spain continue to lead the rankings globally after strengthening their hold on the top spot with consecutive victories in the European World Cup qualifiers.