Nigeria hit 15-year high in FIFA rankings
Nigeria have climbed to their highest position in over 15 years in the latest FIFA World Rankings, released on Thursday, following a strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Super Eagles jumped 12 places to 26th in the world, up from 38th at the end of 2025. The rise was driven by a gain of 79 ranking points, the highest tally recorded by any national team in the current ranking window.
In a statement on its official platform, FIFA described Nigeria’s points haul as the “most points scored” globally in this update, underlining the scale of the team’s progress.
AFCON run powers ranking surge
Nigeria’s sharp rise is largely attributed to their performance at AFCON 2025, where they finished third. The Super Eagles secured the bronze medal with a victory over Egypt in the third-place playoff, capping a consistent tournament campaign.
Over seven matches, Nigeria recorded five wins and two draws in regulation time.
Their only defeat came in the semi-final against Morocco, which was settled via penalties. Along the way, they picked up wins against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria.
Nigeria also finished the tournament as the top scorers, netting 14 goals.
That figure surpassed their previous best of 12 goals at a single AFCON and highlighted a more balanced blend of attacking efficiency and defensive organisation.
The new ranking represents Nigeria’s best position since March 2010, when they were placed 21st globally. Since then, the Super Eagles have experienced fluctuating fortunes, making this jump a notable milestone.
African rankings see major shifts
Nigeria were not alone in benefiting from AFCON 2025. Hosts and beaten finalists Morocco climbed to eighth in the world, their highest-ever FIFA ranking.
Champions Senegal also made significant progress, moving from 19th to 12th following their 1-0 final victory in Rabat.
Cameroon matched Nigeria’s 12-place rise, jumping from 57th to 45th. The updated African top five now consists of Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt. They are followed by Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tunisia, DR Congo and Mali in the top 10.
At the top of the global standings, there was no movement. Spain remain world number one, ahead of Argentina, France, England and Brazil.
