Nigeria have moved up three places to 38th in the latest FIFA men’s world ranking released on Wednesday, following a month that saw the Super Eagles play two competitive matches.

The update — reflecting 149 international fixtures played since the last ranking — factors in Nigeria’s 4–

1 win over Gabon and the 1–1 draw with DR Congo, which ended in a 4–3 penalty loss in the 2026 World Cup play-off.

Despite the disappointment of failing to qualify for the expanded World Cup, the results earned the Super Eagles enough points to rise in the global standings. Nigeria now have 1,502.46 points, placing them fifth in Africa, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria.

Morocco remain the continent’s top-ranked side with 1,713.12 points, followed by Senegal (19th, 1,648.07), Egypt (34th, 1,520.68) and Algeria (35th, 1,516.37).

Nigeria’s position highlights how tight the race is among Africa’s top teams. The Super Eagles hold a slim advantage over Tunisia (40th, 1,497.13), while Ivory Coast (1,489.59) and DR Congo (1,442.50) sit further behind.

Globally, Spain retain top spot, with Argentina and France completing the top three. Brazil climbed two places to fifth after a strong run of results.

For Nigeria, the improvement offers a small consolation after the heartbreak in Rabat, where Frank Onyeka’s early goal was cancelled out by Elia Meschack before the defeat in the shoot-out ended Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.

With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off in December, the ranking update arrives at a critical moment. A strong AFCON campaign in Morocco could provide a major boost to the Super Eagles’ standing.