Nigeria defeated Iran 2-1, a result that earned them 5.34 ranking points against a higher-ranked opponent, but a 2-2 draw against Jordan, who are placed significantly lower, resulted in a deduction of 1.81 points.
Despite these achievements, the Super Eagles remain Africa’s third-best team, behind Morocco (8th) and Senegal (14th), with Algeria and Egypt rounding out the top five African sides.
The current ranking marks Nigeria’s highest position in 16 years, with its last better placement coming in May 2010 when they were ranked 21st globally.
On the continental stage, Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked side and eighth in the world after securing a draw against Ecuador and a win against Paraguay, alongside an administrative adjustment from the AFCON final, which boosted their points tally to 1755.87.
Senegal dropped two places to 14th globally but remains second in Africa with 1688.99 points, while Nigeria sits third on the continent ahead of Algeria, Egypt, and Ivory Coast.
At the top of the global rankings, France moved two places into first place, overtaking Spain, while world champions Argentina are now third, with England, Portugal, Brazil, Netherlands, Morocco, Belgium and Germany completing the top 10.
