Super Eagles drop four places to 30th in FIFA ranking after Bissau defeat
The 3-0 loss in Guinea-Bissau has cost Nigeria in the world ranking. The Super Eagles are now sixth in Africa, behind Ivory Coast.
What happened
Nigeria have dropped four places, from 26th to 30th, in the latest FIFA men's world ranking, published on 7 October. The ranking covers the September and October international window, in which the Super Eagles beat Madagascar 2-1, lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau and drew 3-3 with Russia.
Verified details
| Africa | Team | World rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morocco | 7 |
| 2 | Senegal | 18 |
| 3 | Egypt | 25 |
| 4 | Algeria | 28 |
| 5 | Ivory Coast | 29 |
| 6 | Nigeria | 30 |
- Nigeria were third in Africa before the window. They are now sixth.
- Nigeria remain ahead of South Africa (48th) and Ghana (70th).
- Spain stay top of the world ranking, ahead of Argentina, France, England and Portugal.
| Date | Fixture | Result | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Sep | Nigeria vs Madagascar | W 2-1 | AFCON qualifier |
| 29 Sep | Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria | L 0-3 | AFCON qualifier |
| 6 Oct | Russia vs Nigeria | D 3-3 | Friendly |
Why it matters
Ranking points feed into seedings for future draws, so a heavy defeat to a lower-ranked team costs more than pride. It also shows how unusual the Bissau result was. allAfrica called it Guinea-Bissau's biggest ever win over Nigeria.
There is some perspective needed, though. Nine months ago Nigeria took bronze at AFCON 2025 after reaching the semi-finals. One bad window does not erase that. Two bad windows would start to.
Where Nigeria have been
Before this window, Nigeria were third in Africa, which reflected an AFCON 2025 campaign in which they won all three group games, beat Mozambique 4-0 and Algeria 2-0, and only lost the semi-final to hosts Morocco on penalties. That run came two months after the 2026 World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo, also on penalties. The ranking had been rewarding a team that was hard to beat. Bissau dented that reputation.
The Nigerian angle
For fans, the ranking is mostly a mood indicator. What actually decides Nigeria's next year is a single qualifying place. Because co-hosts Tanzania are already qualified, Nigeria have to finish as the best-placed of the other three teams in the group, and Guinea-Bissau are three points clear. Our AFCON 2027 qualifying explainer sets out exactly what is needed.
What happens next
FIFA's next ranking will follow the November window, when Nigeria play Tanzania twice. Two wins would lift both the ranking and the mood. For the bigger picture, read what Bissau exposed in the Super Eagles midfield.
Sources
- FIFA Ranking: Nigeria suffer consequences of Guinea-Bissau loss · Pulse Sports (opens in a new tab)
- Super Eagles drop four places after crash in Guinea-Bissau · allAfrica (opens in a new tab)
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Join the conversation
Does the FIFA ranking matter to you, or is it only results against Tanzania that count?
Every comment is read by a moderator before it appears. No links, phone or WhatsApp numbers, social handles, betting codes or promotions. Keep it respectful.
Related stories
Bissau exposed the Super Eagles midfield. Tanzania is the chance to fix it
Nigeria won in Uyo, lost 3-0 in Bissau and drew 3-3 in Russia. The common thread was a midfield that could not protect the defence. Here is what has to change before Tanzania.
Halima Bello
Russia 3-3 Nigeria: Edokpolor scores on debut as Akor Adams rescues a late draw
Kelechi Iheanacho, debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams scored as an experimental Nigeria came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Russia in a friendly.
Tobenna Eze
AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Nigeria's group, fixtures and how qualification works
Nigeria's AFCON 2027 qualifying group explained: the teams, the results so far, the remaining fixtures and why only one team joins co-hosts Tanzania at the finals.
Halima Bello