Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed four places to 41st in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, making a return to the top five football nations in Africa.

The updated rankings, released on Friday by FIFA, mark a significant boost for Nigeria, which rose from 45th position following impressive performances in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The three-time African champions leapfrogged Ivory Coast, now ranked 42nd globally, after securing a 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane and a convincing 4–0 win against Benin Republic in Uyo.

Those results not only improved Nigeria’s ranking points but also sealed their qualification for the continental playoffs of the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagles are now set to face Gabon, currently 77th in the world and 15th in Africa, for a place in the final playoff round, where either Cameroon or DR Congo could await.

On the continental stage, Morocco remains Africa’s highest-ranked team despite dropping one spot to 12th in the world.

Senegal follows in second place and 18th globally, while Egypt (32nd) and Algeria (35th) complete Africa’s top four, with Nigeria rounding out the top five.

Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, and South Africa complete Africa’s top ten.

Globally, Spain continues to lead the world ranking after back-to-back World Cup qualifying wins over Georgia and Bulgaria.

World champions Argentina moved up to second following friendly victories over Venezuela and Puerto Rico, capitalizing on France’s slip after Les Bleus were held to a 2–2 draw by Iceland following a 3–0 win over Azerbaijan.