The delicate calculus of international football prestige has been recalculated, and for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the latest equation has resulted in a subtle yet symbolic decline. In the freshly released FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for June 2024, the three-time African champions have experienced a gentle descent, slipping one precious position from their previous standing.
Previously perched at 44th in the global football hierarchy, the Eagles now find themselves navigating the skies from the 45th position, a shift that reflects the intensely competitive and ever-fluctuating nature of the international game.
This minor adjustment on the world stage translates into a more significant recalibration within the African continental order. The drop has seen Nigeria cede its place among the continent’s top five elite, now settling into sixth position in the fiercely contested CAF ranking. Firmly holding the mantle as Africa’s finest is Morocco, whose historic World Cup heroics continue to resonate, placing them in an impressive 11th place globally.
The Atlas Lions are followed closely by the Teranga Lions of Senegal, the ancient Pharaohs of Egypt, the cunning Desert Foxes of Algeria, and the powerful Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, who complete the prestigious top five African teams on the list.
This repositioning comes on the heels of the Super Eagles’ recent engagements in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, the team secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over the Amavubi of Rwanda in the familiar surroundings of Uyo. This was followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against perennial rivals Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the challenging atmosphere of Bloemfontein.
While these results kept Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations on a steady path, the points earned were seemingly not sufficient to stave off the advances of other nations or maintain their previous ranking momentum in a dynamic global landscape.
At the very apex of world football, a monumental shift of power has occurred. The reign of Argentina, which lasted a glorious two years following their Qatar 2022 triumph, has been brought to a close. Toppling the South American giants are the new European champions, Spain, who have ascended to the summit of world football, claiming the number one spot in a testament to their thrilling and successful brand of football.
Meanwhile, the most dramatic climb was witnessed elsewhere, with Slovakia emerging as the month’s biggest risers, catapulting an astonishing ten places up the ranking in a remarkable show of progress. For the Super Eagles, the focus will now be on a steady climb back up this ladder of global footballing prestige.
