Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved up three places in the latest FIFA rankings, flying to 36th in the global pecking order.
Nigeria who defeated Libya by a lone goal in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier earlier in the month are now fourth on the continental rankings. The return fixture in the North African country was moved following unsportsmanlike behaviour by the Libyan authorities.
On the overall continental rankings, the Atlas Lions of Morocco led Africa. They are 13th in the world and followed by Senegal who are 20th.
Related post: Again, Super Eagles tumble to 39th in latest FIFA world rankings
Egypt (30th), Nigeria (36th), and Algeria (37th) complete the top five teams on the continent.
“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,” FIFA wrote on its website while announcing the latest rankings on Thursday.
On the global scene, Argentina still occupy the top spot and are followed by France. Spain took the third position while England, Brazil, and Belgium make up the top six in that order.
Portugal are number seven, the Netherlands are eighth, Italy taking ninth and Colombia are 10th on the global rankings.
Some of the biggest movers in the latest rankings include Algeria (37th, up 4), Peru (38th, up 5) and Greece (42nd, up 6).
Cameroon also returned to the top 50, moving up four places to take the 49th position globally.
The October 2024 rankings came days after a busy month across the world with teams vying for places for the 2026 World Cup, and Africa Cup of Nations.
“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,” FIFA said.
Lookman, Troost-Ekong nominated for 2024 CAF Player of the Year
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially revealed the list of the ten players shortlisted for the prestigious African Player of the Year award.
In the list, Super Eagles stars, Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong secured their spots among the top nominees.
Reigning African Player of the Year striker, Victor Osimhen, will not be in contention to defend his title this time around after struggling with his former team, Napoli last season.
Others on the list are Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG), Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire, Brighton), Ronwen Williams (South Africa Orlando Pirates).
