FIFA Ranking Nigeria Remain Above Ghana And South Africa Despite World Cup Absence

by HEDNEWS on July 21, 2026

FIFA Ranking Nigeria Remain Above Ghana and South Africa Despite World Cup Absence Nigeria’s Super Eagles have maintained their position ahead of West African rivals Ghana and South Africa in the latest FIFA rankings despite failing to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The ranking places Nigeria among Africa’s higher-ranked national teams, reflecting the country’s strong football history, squad quality and performances in international competitions.

Although missing out on the World Cup represents a major setback for Nigerian football, the Super Eagles remain ahead of Ghana and South Africa, who have also experienced mixed results in recent international campaigns. Nigeria’s ranking has been supported by its performances in competitive fixtures, including progress in continental competitions and the continued presence of several internationally experienced players. Football analysts noted that FIFA rankings are calculated using results from official matches, with factors including the importance of games, strength of opponents and match outcomes influencing a team’s position. The ranking update highlights the continued rivalry among Africa’s leading football nations, as teams compete for continental dominance and qualification for major global tournaments. Nigeria will now focus on rebuilding and preparing for future competitions, with attention on developing emerging talents and returning to the global stage after missing out on the World Cup.