Chelle’s side lost four places after a win, a heavy defeat and a 3-3 draw, and now trail five African nations.
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Nigeria slip to 30th
The Super Eagles have dropped four places to 30th in the latest FIFA men’s world ranking, released on Wednesday. They were previously 26th. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that Eric Chelle’s side also fell from fourth to sixth in Africa.
Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire are now ahead of Nigeria on the continent. Nigeria played three games in the ranking period, winning one, drawing one and losing one.
They beat Madagascar 2-1 at home, lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau and drew 3-3 with Russia on Tuesday night. The Guinea-Bissau defeat is likely to have cost the most points, since losing to a lower-ranked side carries a heavy penalty. Supporters can also check Bet9ja promotion codes before the next set of qualifiers.
Spain stay on top
Spain, the world champions, kept top spot, ahead of Argentina, France, England and Portugal. Brazil, Morocco, the Netherlands, Belgium and Mexico complete the top 10.
Spain won the 2026 World Cup, with Argentina as runners-up. Morocco reached the quarter-finals at that tournament, and Egypt went out in the round of 16.
Nigeria were not at that World Cup, which makes ranking points harder to come by. Fans keen on staking during the qualifiers can see Bet9ja’s welcome offer page before the next games.
Why November matters
The next ranking is due on Wednesday, November 18. That is one day after Nigeria’s second game against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, with the first leg in Uyo on November 13.
Group L is tight, with Guinea-Bissau on six points and Nigeria on three. Two wins over Tanzania would help Nigeria in the group and in the rankings.
Can Chelle’s side recover before the next list? Supporters planning to back them can look at Bet9ja’s official YOHAIG code before the Uyo game.
Qualifiers carry more weight than friendlies in the ranking formula, so the November games are the best chance to climb again.
📌 Did You Know?
- The previous ranking period contained only one Nigeria game, a 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal in June.
- Egypt reached the World Cup round of 16 before losing 3-2 to Argentina.
- Senegal dropped three places in the previous ranking but stayed second in Africa.
- AFCON 2027 is being co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
- Guinea-Bissau were ranked 132nd before they beat Nigeria 3-0.

