The Super Eagles of Nigeria are expected to drop from 38th to 39th place in the latest FIFA world rankings set to be released on Wednesday.
Despite this slip, they will maintain their fifth position among African teams.
This comes after Nigeria fell eight places in June, sliding from 30th to 38th globally and dropping from third to fifth in Africa in the previous FIFA rankings.
Earlier in February, the Super Eagles made significant gains, climbing 14 spots after finishing as runners-up in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, reaching their highest ranking since May 2013 at 28th globally.
The decline in the Super Eagles’ rankings can be attributed to their disappointing performances in the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa, where they managed only a 1-1 draw in Uyo, and against the Republic of Benin, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
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Meanwhile, Morocco remains the top-ranked African nation despite a projected drop from 12th to 14th globally.
Senegal is also expected to slip from 18th to 19th globally while maintaining its status as Africa’s second-best team. Egypt is likely to retain its 36th position globally and third in Africa.
African champions Cote d’Ivoire are anticipated to fall from 37th to 38th globally, remaining ahead of Nigeria as Africa’s fourth-best team.
On the global scale, Spain, fresh off their European Championship victory, is projected to rise five places to third globally, trailing Copa America champions Argentina in second place, with Brazil holding onto the second-best position.
Meanwhile, England is poised to move up one spot to fourth in the upcoming July rankings.