The Nigerian national team also finds itself as the fifth-ranked team in Africa, reflecting a challenging year for the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions.
In 2024, the Super Eagles secured nine wins, four draws, and suffered five losses across various competitions.
The year had started promisingly for the team when they reached the final of the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, a feat that earned them a respectable global ranking of 28th.
Additionally, the Super Eagles have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco after topping their qualifying group, which added a positive note to their year.
However, their performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has been a major setback. Despite a solid start, they failed to win any of their first four matches, leaving them second from the bottom in the qualification standings.
The team’s struggles in World Cup qualifying have significantly impacted their global ranking, overshadowing their AFCON success and qualification.
With the Super Eagles looking to bounce back, their focus will now shift to improving their form as they prepare for the 2025 AFCON and the remainder of the World Cup qualifiers.
