Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped four places to 30th in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking released on Wednesday, following a difficult international window that included a heavy defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

The three-time African champions, who occupied 26th position in the previous ranking, have now slipped to 30th globally after a run that produced one victory, one defeat and one draw during the latest international engagements.  

Nigeria began the period on a positive note with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

However, that result was followed by a damaging 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, one of the most disappointing results of the Super Eagles’ recent campaign.

The Guinea-Bissau loss came against a side ranked significantly below Nigeria and cost the Super Eagles valuable ranking points. Reuters also described the defeat as a recent setback for Eric Chelle’s side ahead of their subsequent friendly against Russia.  

Nigeria subsequently ended the international window with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

Despite the entertaining draw providing some encouragement, it was not enough to prevent Nigeria from losing four positions in the latest global ranking.  

The slide has also affected Nigeria’s position on the African continent.

The Super Eagles have fallen from fourth to sixth in Africa, with Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire now occupying the five positions ahead of them.  

Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked team, while Nigeria now sit ahead of DR Congo, Cameroon, Mali and South Africa in the continental top 10.  

The latest ranking represents a sharp reversal for Nigeria, who had remained 26th in the world in the previous FIFA ranking despite their disappointing results during the earlier international period. FIFA’s official ranking page confirms that the October 7 update is the latest edition, with the next ranking scheduled for November 18.  

The ranking setback adds further pressure on Chelle and his players as Nigeria continue their preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.

The Super Eagles will need a strong run of results in their forthcoming competitive fixtures if they are to regain lost ground and restore their position among Africa’s leading football nations.

For now, the 3-0 defeat in Guinea-Bissau has left a significant mark on Nigeria’s FIFA ranking, with the Super Eagles falling four places globally and outside Africa’s top five.

Africa top 10 ranked teams

1. Morocco (7th) -1

2. Senegal (18th) 0

3. Egypt (25th) -1

4. Algeria (28th) +1

5. Cote D'Ivoire (29th) +2

6. Nigeria (30th) -4

7. DR Congo (40th) +1

8. Cameroon (42nd) +1

9. Mali (47th) +6

10. South Africa (48th) +6