FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles finish 2025 ranked 38th globally
The Super Eagles will end 2025 ranked 38th in the world, according to the latest FIFA rankings released on Monday.
Nigeria’s position remains unchanged from the previous update published on November 19, which saw the team climb three places from 41st.
The Super Eagles also retained their status as the sixth-ranked team on the African continent.
Mixed year, modest net progress
Overall, 2025 delivered mixed outcomes for Nigeria, but the team still closed the year six places higher than where it began, having opened the year ranked 44th globally.
The first ranking of the year, released in April, saw the Super Eagles rise one place to 43rd.
That progress stalled in subsequent windows, with Nigeria slipping to 44th in July and then 45th in September.
Late surge defines year-end position
October marked a turning point, as Nigeria climbed four places to 41st, their biggest single jump since the 14-place surge recorded in February 2024 following their AFCON silver-medal finish in Côte d’Ivoire.
The upward trend continued in November, with a further three-place rise to 38th, which they maintained in the final ranking of the year.
Africa and global standings unchanged at the top
Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked side, holding firm at 11th in the world, while Senegal stayed second on the continent and 19th globally.
Algeria moved up one place to 34th, overtaking Egypt, who dropped to 35th and fifth in Africa.
Globally, the top 10 remained unchanged. European champions Spain finished the year ranked first, ahead of world champions Argentina in second and France in third.
England sit fourth, with Brazil completing the top five. Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia round out the top 10.
The next FIFA rankings will be released on January 19, 2026, a day after the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
