Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup received a significant boost as the latest FIFA ranking favoured the Super Eagles ahead of next month’s Intercontinental Playoffs.
According to the latest global ranking released by FIFA, the Super Eagles sit comfortably in the 45th position, making them the highest-ranked team among all sides heading into the final qualification stage. This gives Nigeria a crucial advantage as they prepare to battle for a World Cup ticket.
With this ranking, the Super Eagles automatically become the top-seeded side in the playoffs ahead of Costa Rica (47), Cameroon (52), Iraq (58), DR Congo (60), UAE (67), Jamaica (69), Bolivia (77), Gabon (79), Curaçao (86), and New Caledonia (150).
Nigeria’s first test comes on 13 November in Morocco, where they will face Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon in what promises to be a tough encounter. The winner of that tie will then clash with the victor of the Cameroon versus DR Congo match for a place in the Intercontinental Final Playoffs scheduled to hold in Mexico next year.
If Nigeria successfully navigates the African playoffs, they will move on to play just one more decisive match in the Intercontinental stage against one of the lowest-ranked teams from other continents — for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
A sports analyst in Lagos, who spoke with Observers Times, said the ranking is “a big confidence booster” for Nigeria’s campaign.
“This ranking places the Super Eagles in a strong position psychologically and competitively. It shows that, despite recent struggles, Nigeria still commands respect globally,” the analyst said.
However, not all the news favours the three-time African champions. Defender Semi Ajayi will miss the crucial opening clash against Gabon after picking up his second yellow card during the qualifiers. The Hull City defender had earlier been booked against Lesotho before receiving another caution in the final group game against Benin Republic in Uyo.
Football observers believe the absence of Ajayi could test Nigeria’s defensive depth, but confidence remains high that the Super Eagles have enough quality to get the job done.
As the countdown to the playoffs continues, expectations are building among fans that the team will make a strong return to the global stage after missing out on the last edition of the World Cup.
