Sports
FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles Fall Eight Places After Dismal World Cup Qualifiers
The Super Eagles have fallen by eight places in the latest FIFA rankings, moving to 38th globally following a dismal outing in the race for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria lost to the Benin Republic for the first time and had before then drawn South Africa – all games in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for Africa – leaving their hopes of reaching the competition hanging in the balance.
In FIFA’s latest ranking released on Thursday, the Super Eagles are now 5th in Africa, falling two steps behind on the continental pecking order.
Morocco moved up one place as the best team in Africa, placing 12th globally. They are followed by Senegal (18th), Egypt (36th), and Cote d’Ivoire (37th) in second, third, and fourth respectively on the continental rankings.
Argentina, France, Belgium, Brazil, and England in that order occupy the first five positions globally.
Eagles In Crisis

The Super Eagles’ poor World Cup qualification run has seen them manage only three points from four games, four points below leaders Rwanda in the Group C race.
Following the dismal showing, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said it would hire a technical adviser for the team in the coming weeks.
Days after the move, Finidi George resigned as the head coach of the team, less than two months after he was appointed to lead the Super Eagles.
Finidi’s resignation came at the time that star forward Victor Osimhen fired back at him over a comment he (Finidi) allegedly made accusing the Napoli player of non-commitment to the national team.
The NFF has yet to officially comment on Finidi’s resignation or Osimhen’s outburst. The Super Eagles’ next competitive game will be later in the year when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers begin.
Sports
Super Eagles to receive AFCON bonuses before Friday – FG
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the payments would be reflected in the players’ domiciliary accounts “starting today or tomorrow”.
The Federal Government has said that the Super Eagles’ match bonuses at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have cleared the necessary regulatory stages.
Ohibaba.com reported the previous day that the Super Eagles had threatened to boycott travel to the host city of their quarter-final match at the AFCON over unpaid allowances.
Nigeria will face Algeria in the quarter-final on Saturday in Marrakesh, a city about five hours away from their current base. The team is scheduled to travel from Fez to Marrakesh today, Thursday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the payments would be reflected in the players’ domiciliary accounts “starting today or tomorrow”.
However, the players and officials were determined to miss the trip unless the outstanding allowances were paid.
The Eagles are yet to receive bonuses for all four matches played at the tournament.
Sports
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles threaten to boycott Algeria match over unpaid win bonuses
It was gathered that win bonuses for the four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique have yet to be settled.
• Super Eagles win against Mozambique
Super Eagles players have threatened to boycott their quarter final match against Algeria unless all outstanding winning bonuses are paid by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
A highly reliable source within the team disclosed to Vanguard that the team have resolved not to travel to Marrakech for their next match on Thursday this week.
According to the source, players and officials are reportedly still awaiting their bonus payments from the tournament.
It was gathered that win bonuses for the four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique have yet to be settled.
While the team remains committed to the competition, they have made it clear that they will not train or travel to Marrakech for the next match unless the outstanding payments are resolved, our source confirmed.
Recall that in November, the team also threatened to boycott their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon, citing unpaid entitlements.
In a joint statement signed by players and staff, the squad said, “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments.
The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
Sports
Fenerbahçe wants to buy Ademola Lookman from Atlanta for €42m
Lookman is currently with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he has been one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Photo: Ademola Lookman, in action
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are preparing a January move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman as the Yellow Canaries look to strengthen their attacking options with the Nigerian winger.
Sport Mediaset journalist Orazio Accomando, hinted that Fenerbahçe are ready to submit an offer structured as a €5 million paid loan, with a right, or potential obligation, to buy set at €37 million, taking the total package to €42 million.
Discussions are still at an early stage, but Lookman has been identified as a priority target as the Istanbul club seeks to reinforce its squad.
Atalanta, however, value the Nigerian international highly following his impressive performances in Serie A and European competition and are reluctant to approve any deal that delays a permanent sale unless the conditions are particularly favourable.
Lookman is currently with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he has been one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The former African Player of the Year has recorded three goals and four assists in just three matches, performances that have significantly boosted his market value.
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