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Super Eagles Climb Three Spots in Latest FIFA Rankings

Written by Jerry Alomatu on October 25, 2024

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Nigeria, following its victory against Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier earlier this month, has ascended to fourth place in the continental rankings. The return match, originally scheduled to take place in Libya, was relocated due to unsportsmanlike conduct from the Libyan authorities.

At the top of the continental rankings are the Atlas Lions of Morocco, who hold the 13th position globally. Senegal is ranked 20th, while Egypt (30th), Nigeria (36th), and Algeria (37th) complete the top five teams in Africa.

In a statement on its website announcing the latest rankings, FIFA noted, “There is further cause for celebration for Africa as two other CAF teams have climbed the most places (10) in this edition of the ranking, namely Comoros (108th) and Sudan (110th), who came out on top against Tunisia and Ghana, respectively, in their recent home-and-away duels as part of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers.”

On the global stage, Argentina retains the top position, followed by France, with Spain in third place. The top six is rounded out by England, Brazil, and Belgium. Portugal is seventh, the Netherlands eighth, Italy ninth, and Colombia tenth in the world rankings.

Significant movements in the latest rankings include Algeria (37th, up 4 places), Peru (38th, up 5), and Greece (42nd, up 6). Additionally, Cameroon has made a return to the top 50, rising four places to 49th globally.

The October 2024 rankings come in the wake of a particularly busy month in international football, where teams competed for spots in the upcoming 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

FIFA reported that “Thirty-two qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26, 47 for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, 79 Nations League matches, and 17 friendlies were played during the recent international window, making October 2024 a particularly busy month of football and one that has led to a number of changes in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking.”