Super Eagles Slump as World Cup Opponents Climb

Femi Solaja

The unimpressive start of Super Eagles in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying series has taken toll on the team’s standing in the November ranking released by FIFA.

Expectedly, Nigeria slumped globally, falling two steps down to 42 from last month’s 40th position. 

Eagles results in the two World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe may have largely contributed to Nigeria’s downward slide in the global ranking

Paradoxically, Lesotho who were forced to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in Uyo, climbed up from 153 in October to 148 in November.

Similarly, Zimbabwe that the Super Eagles laboured to a 1-1 draw also rose from 125 to 124. 

Rwanda, the surprise team in Nigeria’s Group C rose from 140 to 133, courtesy of their impressive 2-0 defeat of South Africa who slumped from 64 to 66.

On the top board, Argentina  maintained their  first position ahead of France in the second spot while England took over the third position from Brazil who are now fifth after back-to-back defeats.  Belgium’s Red Devils are fourth on the log.

In all, 118 international matches were played all over the world in November across all the continents. The final FIFA ranking  for 2023 will be published two days to the Christmas Day.