FIFA Ranking: Super Eagles record lowest rating since 2018

FIFA Ranking: Super Eagles record lowest rating since 2018

The Super Eagles have ended 2024 ranked 44th in the world, their lowest position in six years, according to the final FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday.

It's the lowest for the AFCON silver medalists since 2018.

It's a huge drop for the Nigerian team, who began the year in 28th place following a strong showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles played 15 matches in 2024, winning nine—including the awarded victory in the cancelled game against Libya—drawing four, and losing five. Despite their efforts, inconsistent performances, particularly in the World Cup qualifiers, contributed to their slide down the rankings.

Nigeria currently sit fifth in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification group, which has six teams, leaving them with a difficult task of securing a spot at the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The final FIFA rankings for 2024 reflected no changes among the top 113 teams from last month. Argentina maintained their position as the world’s number-one team, followed by France, Spain, England, and Brazil. Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Italy completed the top 10.

In Africa, Morocco continued to lead the continent, ending the year in 13th place globally. Senegal (17th) and Algeria (33rd) rounded out Africa’s top three, while Nigeria, once ranked fourth earlier in the year, fell to fifth.

The Eagles’ 44th-place finish mirrors their position in December 2018, making it their joint-worst year-end ranking in recent memory.

The next FIFA World Rankings will be released on April 3, 2025.