Despite beginning 2024 on a high note, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will end the year as the fifth-best team in Africa and 44th in the world, according to the latest FIFA rankings released on Monday. The ranking reflects a significant dip in form and results for the three-time African champions over the course of the year.
A Promising Start to 2024
The Super Eagles started the year ranked 28th in the world, buoyed by a strong performance in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Their journey to the final in Ivory Coast brought optimism to Nigerian football fans and temporarily boosted their position on the global stage. However, their fortunes have declined dramatically since then.
A Sharp Decline
The latest FIFA ranking reveals a drop of 16 places from the start of the year, with Nigeria holding the same 1,482 points from November’s ranking. This marks one of the steepest declines among footballing nations in recent months. In November, Nigeria fell from 36th to 44th, a significant drop that mirrored their struggles on the pitch.
In Africa, Nigeria is now ranked behind Morocco (14th), Senegal (17th), Egypt (33rd), and Algeria (37th). The drop to fifth in Africa highlights the challenges facing the team in maintaining their once-dominant position on the continent.
Struggles in AFCON Qualifiers
The Super Eagles’ poor performance in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers contributed heavily to their recent decline. A series of lackluster outings, including a disappointing 1-1 draw with the Benin Republic and an embarrassing 2-1 home loss to Rwanda, have eroded confidence in the team’s abilities. These results have raised questions about the team’s preparedness and consistency ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Global Rankings: Nigeria and Beyond
While Nigeria’s struggles have been evident, the global rankings have seen little change at the top. Argentina, the reigning world champions, retain their position as the highest-ranked team with 1,867 points. France follows in second place, with European champions Spain in third. England and Brazil complete the top five.
Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Germany round out the top 10, reflecting Europe’s dominance in world football.
The Path Forward for the Super Eagles
As the year comes to a close, the focus will be on how the Super Eagles can rebuild their momentum and regain their position as one of Africa’s top teams. Key areas for improvement include tactical discipline, squad consistency, and better performances in competitive fixtures.
The team will also need to address its challenges in leadership and coaching. With the 2025 AFCON and upcoming World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, the Super Eagles have an opportunity to redeem themselves and climb back up the rankings. However, the path to redemption will require strategic planning and strong performances both on and off the pitch.
