Nigeria’s Super Eagles rose three spots in the latest FIFA rankings, moving up to 36th in the world.
This improvement follows their 1-0 victory over Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier earlier this month.
The win also places Nigeria fourth in the continental rankings.
The top African team remains Morocco’s Atlas Lions, who rank 13th globally, followed by Senegal at 20th.
Egypt (30th), Nigeria (36th), and Algeria (37th) complete Africa’s top five.
In a statement, FIFA highlighted the rise of two other African teams: Comoros and Sudan.
Both nations climbed 10 places in the rankings, reaching 108th and 110th, respectively, after notable victories against Tunisia and Ghana in their AFCON qualifiers.
“There is further cause for celebration for Africa as two other CAF teams have climbed the most places (10) in this edition of the ranking,” FIFA noted on its website.
On the global stage, Argentina continues to hold the top position, followed by France.
Spain secured third place, with England, Brazil, and Belgium rounding out the top six.
Portugal ranks seventh, the Netherlands eighth, Italy ninth, and Colombia completes the top 10.
Among the biggest movers globally, Algeria jumped to 37th (up four places), Peru climbed to 38th (up five), and Greece moved to 42nd (up six).
Cameroon also re-entered the top 50, advancing four spots to take 49th position.
The October 2024 rankings were influenced by a flurry of international matches.
Teams worldwide competed for qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 AFCON, alongside several Nations League matches and friendlies.
FIFA commented on the active month, stating, “Thirty-two qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26, 47 for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, 79 Nations League matches, and 17 friendlies were played during the recent international window, making October 2024 a particularly busy month of football and one that has led to a number of changes in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking.”
