The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national football team, have concluded the year with their lowest FIFA World Ranking in six years, slipping to 44th globally. This marks a significant decline for a team that has historically been one of Africa’s football powerhouses. Within the continent, they now stand as the fifth-ranked team, a position that reflects their struggles on the international stage over the past year. Their record of nine wins, four draws, and five losses in 2023 highlights an inconsistent performance that has left fans and analysts alike pondering the team’s trajectory.

Ironically, the year had a promising start for the three-time African champions. They kicked off 2024 on a high note by reaching the final of the rescheduled 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. This remarkable achievement momentarily boosted their standing to 28th in the FIFA rankings, rekindling hopes of a resurgence. Their qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, secured by topping their qualifying group, further demonstrated their potential. However, these moments of brilliance have been overshadowed by their erratic form in other competitions, leaving questions about their consistency and ability to deliver under pressure.

The most glaring concern has been their dismal performance in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite their successes in regional tournaments, the Super Eagles have yet to win a match in four rounds of World Cup qualifying games. This poor run has left them languishing near the bottom of their group, a position that threatens their chances of securing a spot in the prestigious tournament. As the team reflects on the outgoing year, they face the urgent task of addressing their weaknesses, particularly in the World Cup qualifiers, to reclaim their status as one of the world’s elite football teams.