By Nurudeen Obalola
The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Gabon, their first opponents in the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs, have both gained places in the latest FIFA ranking.
The ranking was updated on Friday, three days after the group stage of the African qualifiers was concluded.
Both the Super Eagles and Gabon won their last group matches to seal their play-off spots. Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 4-0, while Gabon beat Burundi 2-0.
The Super Eagles climbed up four places to 41st in the world and are now back to the top five in Africa, replacing Cote d’Ivoire in the fifth spot.
On their part, Gabon gained three places to land in the 77th position in the world, and are 15th in Africa.
The two teams will clash in the play-off semi-finals in Morocco on November 13, with the winners advancing to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final three days later.
The winners of the African play-offs will proceed to the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for Mexico in March next year.
There were mixed fortunes for Cameroon and DR Congo in the latest FIFA ranking, with the former dropping two spots to 54th and the latter retaining their 60th position.
Globally, Spain are still at the summit of the ranking, followed by Argentina, France, England and Portugal in the top five.
The Netherlands, Brazil, Belgium, Italy and Germany complete the top 10 in the world.
