By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Despite the drop, the three-time African champions gained 2.91 points to reach a total of 1,484.26. This modest improvement comes after a mixed run of results—two draws and a win—in their recent international outings.
Nigeria now ranks fifth in Africa, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria. Reigning African champions Ivory Coast fell four places to 45th in the world and sixth on the continent after a dip in form, losing ground to Nigeria by less than one point.
The rest of Africa’s top 10 features Tunisia, Cameroon, Mali, and South Africa.
Globally, Argentina held on to the top spot despite a minor point loss (-0.8), while Spain climbed to second after gaining 12.45 points. France, England, and Brazil round up the top five. Portugal and the Netherlands rose to 6th and 7th respectively, with Portugal recording the largest points gain among the top 10 nations (+20.45).
Germany slipped to 9th despite no change in points, while Italy dropped two spots to 11th after losing 15.73 points. Mexico made the biggest leap in the top 20, climbing four places to 13th with a 42.79-point surge. The USA and Norway also recorded significant gains.
San Marino remains rooted at the bottom of the global standings, ranked 210th with 738.24 points.
The next FIFA rankings update is scheduled for September 18.