Super Eagles of Nigeria dropped again in the latest FIFA world ranking that was released on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
The ranking which was posted on FIFA’s website saw the Eagles drop from 30th to 38th in the world and fifth in Africa.
Ahead of the Eagles in Africa are Morocco (1st), Senegal (2nd), Egypt (3rd) and AFCON champions Cote d’Ivoire (4th).
The Eagles’ drop could be attributed to their poor outings on matchday 3 and 4, in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
After a 1-1 draw against South Africa inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the Eagles lost 2-1 to Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
While South Africa maintained 59th spot in the ranking, Gernot Rohr-led Benin Republic move to 91.
With four games played in the qualifiers, the three-time AFCON champions are in fifth place on three points.
They will be back in the World Cup qualifying campaign in March 2025 against Rwanda and Zimbabwe who are in 131st and 129th positions respectively in the latest ranking.
Meanwhile, the top three, however, remain unshakeable. Argentina (1st) retain their place at the summit, with France (2nd) and Belgium (3rd) hot on their heels.
But there is movement behind them, as Brazil (4th, up 1) and England (5th, down 1) swap places.
Meanwhile, Portugal (6th), the Netherlands (7th) and Spain (8th) consolidate their spots in the top ten, whilst Croatia (9th, up 1) overtake Italy (10th, down 1), who nonetheless hold onto a place among the leading pack.
The next FIFA world ranking will be published on 18 July, 2024