Super Eagles Suffer FIFA Ranking Drop, Fall To 31st As Morocco Joins Nigeria In History

Morocco have matched Nigeria’s historic FIFA ranking achievement after moving into fifth place in the latest live men’s world rankings, while the Super Eagles have slipped to 31st.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Morocco moved above Brazil after the South American giants were held to a 1-1 draw by Australia. The result saw Morocco’s points rise to 1,808.18, narrowly ahead of Brazil’s 1,805.91.

The development puts Morocco level with Nigeria for the highest position ever attained by an African men’s national team in the FIFA rankings. Nigeria previously reached fifth in April 1994 during one of the most memorable periods in the history of the Super Eagles.

That year, Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations before making its FIFA World Cup debut in the United States. The Super Eagles subsequently advanced to the round of 16, where they were eliminated by Italy following a 2-1 defeat after extra time.

Morocco have now equalled that achievement 32 years later. The Atlas Lions had already made history by becoming the first African side to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2022, while their recent performances have further strengthened their position among the world’s leading national teams.

However, Morocco’s fifth-place position remains part of FIFA’s live ranking and is not yet official. FIFA states that its live rankings remain unofficial until all matches from the international window are approved as international “A” matches. The last official ranking was published on July 20, with the next official update scheduled for October 7.

For Nigeria, the latest movement represents a five-place drop from 26th to 31st in the live ranking. The Super Eagles began the latest international window with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

The defeat contributed to Nigeria’s decline in ranking points, although it was not the reason Morocco moved ahead of Brazil. Morocco’s rise was primarily linked to Brazil’s draw against Australia, which reduced Brazil’s points and allowed the Atlas Lions to move into fifth.

Nigeria are currently listed with 1,568.27 points in the live ranking, while Guinea-Bissau moved to the top of Group L in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with six points from two matches following their victory over the Super Eagles.

FIFA’s current live table has Spain, Argentina, France and England occupying the first four positions, followed by Morocco in fifth and Brazil in sixth. Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico complete the top 10.

Nigeria’s current position, however, remains subject to FIFA’s final validation of the international matches before the next official ranking is released.