After unconvincing results in the last international window in September, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have fallen further down the pecking order globally in the latest rankings released by world football governing body, FIFA.
The three-time continental champions, ranked 44th globally in July, lost their spot to fellow African giants, Cote d'Ivoire, slipping to 45th.
Eric Sekou Chelle's team also dropped in the continental rankings, slipping outside of the top five to rank sixth.
Nigeria, who are in real danger of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canda and Mexico played out to a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana of South Africa on September 9 in Bloemfontein, three days after narrowly beating the Amavubis of Rwanda 1-0 in Uyo on September 6.
While both results for Chelle's side meant they have only won two of their last five matches - drawing one and losing two - it more importantly ensured their destiny lies in the hands of others with two games left in the qualification series in Group C.
Africa's best-ranked team globally remains the Atlas Lions of Morocco in 11th place, with the Lions of Terranga of Senegal seven spots behind in 18th.
The Pharaohs of Egypt and Algeria's Desert Foxes, who both sit in the top four on the continent, are globally ranked 35th and 38th, respectively.
Spain are the best-ranked team in the world, returning to the summit for the first time since 2024. France are second while world champions, Argentina are third. England and Portugal complete the top five in fourth and fifth, respectively.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking is slated for October 23.
FIFA Rankings: TOP 10 (Updated 18 September 2025)
(1.) Spain
(2.) France
(3.) Argentina
(4.) England
(5.) Portugal
(6.) Brazil
(7.) Netherlands
(8.) Belgium
(9.) Croatia
(10.) Italy
CAF Rankings: TOP 10 (Updated 18 September 2025)
(1.) Morocco
(2.) Senegal
(3.) Egypt
(4.) Algeria
(5.) Cote d'Ivoire
(6.) Nigeria
(7.) Tunisia
(8.) Cameroon
(9.) South Africa
(10.) Mali
