Nigeria move up in new FIFA ranking
Nigeria have leaped four places to 41st in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings for October released on Thursday.
The country’s rise follows the Super Eagles’ impressive performances in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers during the month under review.
The Eagles secured a 2–1 away win against their Basotho counterparts last week before thrashing the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4–0 on October 14 in Uyo to qualify for the Intercontinental World Cup Qualifying playoffs in Morocco.
Nigeria’s climb takes the country back into the top five in Africa, now ranked fifth on the continent behind fourth-placed Algeria, who moved up three spots to 35th in the world. Egypt occupy third place in Africa and 32nd globally.
Morocco and Senegal remain Africa’s top two teams in the rankings. The Moroccans slipped one place to 12th in the world, while Senegal maintained 18th position.
In the global rankings, Spain strengthened their hold on top spot thanks to back-to-back victories in the World Cup Qualifiers.
World champions Argentina are close behind in second place after leapfrogging France, who dropped one spot to third.
The next FIFA men’s world rankings will be published on November 21, 2025.
Africa’s Top 10
- Morocco (12th, -1)
- Senegal (18th, 0)
- Egypt (32nd, +3)
- Algeria (35th, +3)
- Nigeria (41st, +4)
- Côte d’Ivoire (42nd, +2)
- Tunisia (43rd, +3)
- Mali (53rd, +3)
- Cameroon (54th, -2)
- South Africa (59th, -4)
