The Super Eagles have suffered a significant setback in the FIFA rankings, a consequence of their poor performance in the concluding matches of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. They managed to secure only one point out of a possible six, a disappointing outcome that highlights their struggles in the crucial stages of the campaign. This poor run of form has not only affected their global standing but has also raised concerns about their competitive edge going into future tournaments.

In their final matches, Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw against Benin in Abidjan before suffering a shocking 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo. Despite these lackluster results, the Super Eagles had already secured qualification for the tournament in Morocco prior to these games. While their ticket to AFCON 2025 is assured, the dip in performance during these matches has taken a toll on their reputation and momentum.

As a result of these disappointing outcomes, the Super Eagles have dropped to 44th place in the FIFA rankings, an eight-spot decline from their previous position at 36th. This slump has also seen Nigeria fall to fifth place in Africa, trailing Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria. The team’s diminished status serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for introspection and improvement if they are to reclaim their position among the continent’s elite and perform credibly on the global stage.