The Super Eagles of Nigeria have climbed three places to 36th in the world in the October FIFA rankings.
According to the ranking table published on the website of the world football governing body on Thursday, Nigeria accumulated 1,503.29 points during the review period.
This improvement follows the team’s 1-0 victory over Libya in the first leg of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on October 11 in Uyo.
The rise also boosted Nigeria’s continental standing, placing them fourth in Africa, behind Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt, up from the sixth spot they held in September.
Globally, a total of 32 FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, 47 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers, 79 Nations League matches, and 17 friendlies were played during the recent international window, making October a busy football month that brought several changes in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking.
The top three teams remain close, with Argentina (1st) still leading, although their advantage over France (2nd) and Spain (3rd) has narrowed. England (4th), Brazil (5th), and Belgium (6th) have held their positions.
Portugal (7th, up 1) and Italy (9th, up 1) are the only teams to move up within the top 10, while the Netherlands (8th, down 1) and Colombia (10th, down 1) complete the group. Germany (11th, up 2) is now on the verge of breaking into the top 10.
Noteworthy moves include Algeria (37th, up 4), Peru (38th, up 5), Greece (42nd, up 6), and Cameroon (49th, up 4), which returned to the top 50.
Other African nations making significant progress include Equatorial Guinea (88th, up 6) and Zimbabwe (117th, up 7), while Gambia (128th, up 7) and Botswana (140th, up 7) recorded the biggest jump in points, with Botswana gaining 38.30 points. (NAN)