Nigeria’s Super Eagles have recorded a significant leap in the latest FIFA World Ranking, climbing 12 places to 26th in the update released by world football’s governing body on Monday.
The rise from 38th position follows the team’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third after an impressive tournament run.
Coached by Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles were one of the most consistent sides at the competition, winning six of their seven matches. Their only setback came in the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by host nation Morocco after a penalty shootout.
Nigeria responded convincingly in the third-place playoff, defeating Egypt 4–2 to end the tournament on a high note and underline their attacking quality and resilience.
FIFA’s latest rankings also show that the Super Eagles recorded the highest points increase globally, gaining 79.09 points from their AFCON campaign.
At the top of the global rankings, Spain retain first place, followed by Argentina, France, England and Brazil. Portugal, the Netherlands, Morocco, Belgium and Germany complete the top 10.
On the African continent, Morocco remain the highest-ranked team, ahead of Senegal and Nigeria, with Algeria, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tunisia, DR Congo and Mali also featuring in the continent’s top 10.
Nigeria’s sharp rise in the rankings reflects the team’s renewed momentum and growing confidence, strengthening expectations ahead of upcoming international competitions and reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.