The Super Eagles of Nigeria have experienced a sharp decline in the latest FIFA rankings, following inconsistent performances in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Despite clinching a hard-earned 1-0 win over former coach Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic, Nigeria’s shock 2-1 defeat to Rwanda dealt a heavy blow to their global standing.
Previously ranked 36th as revealed earlier by Sports Buddy, Nigeria has now plummeted eight places to 44th—marking one of their most significant ranking drops in recent years.
Rwanda, ranked 126th before the encounter, has climbed to 124th following their surprise victory over the Super Eagles.
The result has raised concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness for next year’s AFCON tournament in Morocco.
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Super Eagles decline
The win against Benin showcased flashes of brilliance but was overshadowed by the loss to Rwanda.
Many fans and analysts have criticized the team’s approach to the second match, which saw heavy player rotation and tactical experimentation.
These decisions, while aimed at testing squad depth, came at the expense of valuable ranking points.
Although Nigeria had already secured their AFCON ticket with the win over Benin, the lackluster showing against Rwanda underscores the need for urgent improvements.
