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Super Eagles Drop in Latest FIFA Rankings, Spain Climb to 3rd

The Super Eagles has been ranked 39th in the latest FIFA rankings.
The team lost one place from their previous rank of 38th.

This comes as Spain, the new Champions of Europe, leap five places to claim the 3rd position globally.

The Super Eagles, currently without a manager following Finidi George’s resignation, remain within the top five teams on the African continent.
Morocco, ranked 14th in the world, retains its status as the number one team in Africa, a position solidified by their historic semi-final run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal follow closely, ranking 19th globally.
Mo Salah’s Egypt is positioned 36th in the world, while Sebastien Haller’s Ivory Coast holds the 38th spot, placing them third and fourth in Africa, respectively.
Nigeria completes the top five in Africa, despite their slight drop in global rankings.
The rest of Africa’s top ten includes Tunisia (41), Algeria (46), Cameroon (51), Mali (53), and South Africa (57).
On the global stage, EURO 2024 winners Spain have moved from eighth to third, reflecting their recent success. England, the runners-up, have also improved their standing, moving up to fourth.
Argentina maintain its position at the top of the rankings after adding the 2024 Copa America trophy to their 2022 FIFA World Cup victory. France remain steady in second place.
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I Took A Break From Super Eagles – Ahmed Musa Clears Air On Retirement

Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles captain, has clarified rumours that he has stepped aside from international duty.

Musa did not feature in any of Nigeria’s seven matches at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, where the team finished as runners-up.

The ex-CSKA Moscow winger last started a game for the national team in 2021 during a World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde.

He played 67 minutes in a 2-0 victory.

His most recent appearance was a seven-minute cameo in a friendly game against Guinea in January.

Musa has also been without a club since his contract with Turkish side Sivasspor was terminated in February.

But speaking with reporters after a friendly match he organized, Musa explained: “I only took a little break from the national team.

“But I didn’t exit the team.”

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Super Eagles Drop Eight Places in Lastest FIFA Ranking

Nigeria has lost eight places in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday.
The Super Eagles dropped to the 38th position and now have 1498.93 points, a decrease from their previous 1520.27 points.
This drop marks a significant shift in the global football landscape, as Nigeria continues to face challenges on the international stage.
Formerly ranked 30th in March, Nigeria’s decline follows its performance in the two matches after the African Cup of Nations, where they emerged as runners-up after losing 2-1 to the host nation.
In their recent games, the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in a match played in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria’s hopes for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers remain doubtful, as the nation failed to secure victories in these crucial matches.
Meanwhile, Argentina maintained its top position in the rankings, solidifying its status as the leading football nation in the world.
The South American giants gained 2.14 points, bringing their total to 1860.14, reflecting their consistent high-level performance in recent tournaments.
The FIFA rankings, reported by PUNCH Online, are calculated using the Elo model, which considers team strength, match importance, and results.
Liberia remain the biggest climber in the rankings, moving up 10 positions to a new highest rank of 142nd.
Liberia also scored the most points, gaining 37.47 points.
Equatorial Guinea experienced the biggest drop, falling 10 positions and losing 47.53 points, marking a significant downturn in their ranking.
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2026 WCQ: They Thought It Was Done – Rohr Mocks Super Eagles After Benin Defeat

The head coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr has mocked Nigeria after the Super Eagles lost to their Republic of Benin counterpart.
The Super Eagles lost 2-1 win in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Monday.
Reacting, Rohr slammed the mentality of Super Eagles players.
Nigeria had taken the lead in Abidjan, thanks to Raphael Onyedika’s first goal for his country.
But they fell apart and conceded twice in the space of twelve minutes.
It was Benin’s first-ever victory against Nigeria, and Rohr, who coached the Eagles between 2016 and 2021, pointed out their lapse in concentration.
“We had the right organization, Nigeria scored the first goal, perhaps, they believed it was already done.
 
“But the reaction, the desire of my team was so strong that they could come back to win the match,” Rohr said, per Favour Itua.
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2026 WCQ: Why Super Eagles Lost to Benin Republic – Finidi

Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George has opened up on why his side lost 2-1 to Benin Republic.
The super eagles had yesterday suffered the loss during its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria remain in fifth position in the Group C table with three points from four games.
It was the second time the Cheetahs would beat the Super Eagles in 17 meetings.
Gernot Rohr’s men top the standings with seven points.
“We scored a good goal and after that we lost concentration, they got their equaliser and then they got their momentum,” Finidi said during his interaction with media after the game.
 
“We didn’t defend well the long kick from the goalkeeper and they got their first goal.
 
“We had control of the game, but we didn’t defend well.
 
“If you don’t take your chances and don’t defend well in a World Cup qualifier, you pay for it.
 
“First half was good but for the goals (we conceded), while in the second half we pushed and defended well.”
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Benin Republic Beat Nigeria 2-1, Fans Blast Finidi

Fans have demanded the sack of coach Finidi George after the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Benin Republic.
Cotonou, the capital of neighbouring Republic of Benin erupted in joy following the shock 2-1 win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their 2026 FIFA world Cup qualifier at the Felix Houphouët Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

“This  was a real miracle,” Beninese foremost journalist, Elvis Dedjinou Zanclan , told NationSport after the match.“Two games won successively, first again Rwanda and  now, the super Eagles; this is unbelievable.”
Zanclan then added: “My point of view  at the end of the match  was that the Nigerian players  thought the game  was won  before the kick -off. I think Finidi’s team is the first Nigerian side to lose to Benin in history.
 
“Of course, Cotonou is bubbling and celebrating,”he noted.
By contrast,  the Super Eagles’ defeat  was painfully received  as Nigerians reportedly   took to the social media app, X(formerly Twitter ) to demand the immediate sacking of  Coach Finidi George over the team’s poor performance.
In a  report by Sahara Reporters , many of  Nigerian micro blog users  vented their anger on the former Ajax Amsterdam’s winger.
A commentator, Samstar said, “Finidi George is just a clueless coach with a very big head. Please sack him now and also jail him for stressing all Nigerians #SoarSuperEagles.” 
Another analyst, Buchi Laba regretted being among those who called for George’s appointment few months ago.
He wrote: “I pushed heavily for Finidi George to get the job. I’m a very stupid person. Never ever take any advice coming from me. I no get sense.” 
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Former Super Eagles Player, Ibrahim Babangida Is Dead

Ex-Super Eagles player, Ibrahim Babangida has died in a car accident.

The car accident which happened along the Kaduna-Zaria road, also involved the former Super Eagles brother, Tijani, his wife, son and maid.

However, only Ibrahim Babangida died in the auto accident, while others who were with him were taken to the hospital, where they are responding to treatment.

Tijani is president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN).

According to The Nation, a statement by the General Secretary of (PFAN), Emmanuel Babayaro, confirmed Ibrahim died in the crash.

“Comrades! Let us be in prayers for our president, Tijani Babangida, who just had a ghastly motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria Eoad.

“Ibrahim Babangida, his younger brother, died on the spot from the accident while Mr President (Babangida) and his family were taken to the hospital.

“May the soul of Ibrahim Babangida Rest In Peace with God, amen,” Babayaro announced.

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BREAKING: Peseiro Resigns As Super Eagles Coach

Jose Peseiro has officially stated that he is no longer the head coach of the Super Eagles.

The Portuguese tactician revealed this in a terse post on social media app, X on Friday.

“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF.

“It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfillment.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the PLAYERS, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.

“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you.” he wrote.

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Guinea-Bissau Clash: We’ll Do Everything To Win Back Love Of Nigerians, Says Osimhen

World-famous Nigerian footballer, Victor Osimhen has made a promise to Nigerians.

He promised that the Super Eagles “will do everything” to win back the love of Nigerians.

The striker made the pledge ahead of the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header qualifying games against Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen spoke in a chat with the media team of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday.

The Eagles missed out on the 2022 World Cup to Ghana, and the team failed to fully bounce back from the disappointment.

The Jose Peseiro-led team lost five of the seven games since losing the World Cup ticket. The last defeat was a 4-0 rout against Portugal in November 2022.

Osimhen said the players have learned from past mistakes and are now “in high spirits” to do better and qualify for the next AFCON competition.

He added that the Eagles “are ready to give our hearts” against Guinea-Bissau and ensure Nigeria gets the victory.

“We are looking forward to it, and I’m happy to be back with the squad. We expect amazing results from the two-legged games against Guinea-Bissau. We are ready, and the spirit is high,” Osimhen said.

“And we are ready to give our hearts on Friday and also in the second leg. We will give everything to make sure the fans are entertained and that we get the win and qualify for the next AFCON.

“I want to say [to Nigerians] thank you very much for your support. Thank you very much for sticking with me and the Super Eagles. And for your support throughout the years. I know we might have let you down in the past, and I want to say we will do everything in our power to make sure we win your love back.”

Nigeria will play Guinea Bissau at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Friday before proceeding for the second leg of the tie at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau three days later.

The Eagles are leaders of Group A of the qualification round with six points from victories over Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe.

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I like Wizkid but Burna Boy is my favorite – Super Eagles striker, Cyriel Dessers

The Feyenoord striker who had a great season with the Dutch outfit was talking with Pulse sport in an exclusive interview and he revealed who is his best artiste in Nigeria.

cyriel dessers
cyriel dessers

Cyriel Dessers who bagged his first goal for the Super Eagles in the friendly win against Mexico on sunday almost couldn’t decide between Wizkid and Burna Boy but he went with the African Giant stating he is feeling him right now.

According to Dessers: “Yeah, right now I am all into Burna Boy. He was also in Rotterdam last month. So I would for sure go for Burna Boy at this moment.Yeah, yeah, Burna Boy (my favourite Nigerian artiste). But I also like Wizkid a lot,” Dessers said.

super eagles
super eagles

Cyriel Dessers is currently on loan from Belgium outfit Genk, his future with Feynoord is yet to be decided amidst several offers from top European clubs, but he is set to return back to Genk next season.

cyriel dessers
cyriel dessers