The Super Eagles have dropped eight places in the current FIFA rankings, to 38th overall, following a disappointing performance in the race for the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria lost for the first time to the Benin Republic, having previously drawn South Africa – all games in Africa’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers – leaving their hopes of qualifying for the competition hanging in the balance.

According to FIFA’s most recent ranking, the Super Eagles are currently fifth in Africa, sliding two places down the continental pecking order.

Morocco went up one spot to become Africa’s top team, ranking 12th overall. Senegal (18th), Egypt (36th), and Cote d’Ivoire (37th) rank second, third, and fourth on the continent, respectively.

Argentina, France, Belgium, Brazil, and England rank first through fifth in the world.

Eagles In Crisis

The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification run has yielded only three points from four games, leaving them four points behind leaders Rwanda in the Group C battle.

Following the abysmal performance, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that it will seek a technical adviser for the team in the coming weeks.

Finidi George resigned as the team’s head coach days later, less than two months after being chosen to lead the Super Eagles.

Finidi resigned just as star forward Victor Osimhen lashed back at him over an alleged comment he (Finidi) made accusing the Napoli player of lack of commitment to the national team.

The NFF has yet to formally respond to Finidi’s departure or Osimhen’s rant. The Super Eagles will play their next competitive game later this year, when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications begin.