The conclusion of 2023 sees the Super Eagles of Nigeria securing the 42nd position in the latest FIFA ranking, marking a year of varied outcomes.
Following their inability to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles regrouped under the guidance of coach Jose Peseiro in preparation for 2023. The year commenced positively, with the team comfortably advancing through the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by claiming the top spot in their qualification group.
However, the latter part of the year brought disappointment, particularly with the onset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The qualification series began on a low note, highlighted by a 1-1 draw against Lesotho and another 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, positioning the Super Eagles in third place on the 2026 World Cup qualification table.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
With four wins, three draws, and one defeat, the Super Eagles’ overall performance was decent, though the calibre of teams they drew with fell short of expectations. Consequently, Jose Peseiro and his team concluded the year as the 42nd-ranked team globally and the 6th-ranked team in Africa.
Morocco maintains its status as the top-ranked team in Africa and the thirteenth globally, followed by Senegal in second place (20th globally). Tunisia secures the third spot in Africa and 28th globally, while Algeria and Egypt, positioned 30th and 33rd globally, respectively, complete the top five in Africa.
The top five teams in the world FIFA ranking are Argentina, England, Belgium, France, and Brazil. The remaining ten teams include Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Croatia, Italy, and Switzerland.