Super Eagles Reach 26th in FIFA Rankings | Nigeria’s Highest Position in 16 Years

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have surged to 26th position in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, marking their highest global placement in 16 years, after an impressive showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, according to LMSINT MEDIA.

The significant rise highlights the growing competitiveness of African football, with tournament hosts Morocco also achieving a historic milestone by entering the world’s top 10 for the first time since 1998.

Under the leadership of head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria emerged as one of the most improved teams in the January 2026 FIFA ranking update, climbing 12 places following their bronze medal finish at the continental tournament.

The Super Eagles had not reached such a high ranking since May 2010, when they were placed 21st globally, making the latest development a major moment in the nation’s football history.

During the ranking assessment period, Nigeria played seven matches, securing six victories and one defeat, a run that significantly boosted their ranking score.

Their AFCON journey began strongly with a commanding 4–0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16, followed by a solid 2–0 victory against Algeria in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, Nigeria faced tournament hosts Morocco, where the match ended goalless before the Eagles narrowly lost on penalties.

Despite the setback, the team responded with resilience in the third-place playoff, holding Egypt to another scoreless draw before clinching a 4–2 penalty shootout victory, securing the bronze medal.

FIFA confirmed that Nigeria earned 79.09 ranking points, the highest point increase recorded by any country in the latest update, underscoring the strong impact of their AFCON performances.

Morocco, although beaten by Senegal in extra time in the final, moved up three places to eighth, achieving their highest ranking ever and returning to the top 10 for the first time since April 1998.

Senegal’s AFCON triumph also delivered historic rewards, as they climbed seven places to 12th, their best ranking to date.

At the summit of the global standings, Spain retained the number one position, followed by world champions Argentina in second place and France in third.

Morocco’s entry into the top 10 pushed Croatia, Belgium, and Germany down the rankings, reflecting the competitive shifts caused by recent international fixtures.

Across Africa, Cameroon and Nigeria recorded the joint highest positional climb, each moving up 12 places, while other notable improvements saw Algeria rise to 28th, Egypt to 31st, and Ivory Coast to 37th.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) now boasts nine national teams inside the world’s top 50, an increase of two compared to the end of 2025.

FIFA has confirmed that the next edition of the Men’s World Rankings will be published on April 1, 2026.