In the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, has dropped to the 38th position, down from their previous rank of 30th. The team now holds 1498.93 points, a decrease from their earlier 1520.27 points.
This significant decline highlights ongoing challenges for Nigeria on the international football stage. The Super Eagles' fall in the rankings follows their recent performances, including a 1-1 draw against South Africa's Bafana Bafana in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and a 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in a match held in Ivory Coast.
The downturn comes in the wake of Nigeria's runners-up finish at the African Cup of Nations, where they lost 2-1 to the host nation. These results have cast doubt on Nigeria's prospects for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, as the team has struggled to secure crucial victories.
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Meanwhile, Argentina continues to dominate the FIFA rankings, maintaining its position at the top. The South American giants gained 2.14 points, bringing their total to 1860.14, reflecting their consistent high-level performance in recent tournaments.
In other notable movements, Liberia emerged as the biggest climber in the rankings, ascending 10 positions to reach their highest-ever rank of 142nd. Liberia also accumulated the most points, gaining 37.47. Conversely, Equatorial Guinea experienced the most significant drop, falling 10 positions and losing 47.53 points.
The FIFA rankings, reported by PUNCH Online, are calculated using the Elo model, which takes into account team strength, match importance, and results. These recent changes reflect the dynamic nature of international football and the shifting fortunes of national teams worldwide.
