Discover why Nigeria's Super Eagles dropped eight places in FIFA rankings to 38th globally after a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Learn about their challenges, coaching changes, and player controversies as they strive to rebound in upcoming competitions.
In a startling twist of events, Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, has plummeted eight places in the latest FIFA rankings, now occupying the 38th spot globally. This sharp decline follows a dismal performance in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, where the team suffered an unexpected defeat to the Benin Republic and managed only a draw against South Africa. These results have severely jeopardized Nigeria's chances of securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
According to FIFA's latest rankings, released on Thursday, the Super Eagles also slipped to 5th place in Africa, trailing behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Cote d’Ivoire. Morocco, now 12th globally, leads the African continent rankings, followed closely by Senegal at 18th.
The crisis within the Super Eagles has prompted significant internal reevaluation, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announcing plans to appoint a new technical adviser to steer the team forward. This decision comes in the wake of Finidi George's abrupt resignation as head coach, citing personal reasons amid mounting pressure and criticism.
Victor Osimhen, a key player for Nigeria, publicly clashed with George over alleged comments questioning his commitment to the national team, further complicating the team's turbulent environment. The NFF has remained tight-lipped on both George's departure and Osimhen's response, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the team's future leadership and performance strategies.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers looming, the Super Eagles face a critical period to regroup and reclaim their competitive edge. The upcoming months will test Nigeria's ability to bounce back from this setback and prove its resilience on the international stage.
