Nigeria’s Super Eagles have surged to 26th place in the latest FIFA World Ranking, a significant rise announced on Monday by the world football governing body.
The new ranking represents a remarkable 12-place jump for Nigeria, moving up from 38th, alongside an impressive gain of 79.09 ranking points.
The climb follows the Super Eagles’ strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco, where the team finished third after defeating Egypt in the playoff match last Saturday.
Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria delivered a campaign widely praised for its coordination, discipline, and teamwork. The team lost only one of their seven matches, suffering a semi-final defeat to host nation Morocco via a penalty shootout.
Despite missing out on the final, the Super Eagles’ resilience and consistency earned them a deserved place on the podium, reinforcing their growing status on the continental and global stage.
The latest FIFA rankings show familiar names dominating the top 10 globally: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Morocco, Belgium, and Germany.
Within Africa, Nigeria now ranks third, behind only Morocco and Senegal. The continent’s top 10 teams are Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tunisia, DR Congo, and Mali.
Nigeria’s resurgence has not gone unnoticed. The 2025 AFCON campaign highlighted a team that has matured into a formidable force, combining local talent with international experience and capturing the attention of football fans across the world.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has commended the Super Eagles for their fighting spirit and commendable performance at the tournament. According to the government, the team’s display reflected discipline, unity, and resilience—qualities that mirror the Nigerian spirit.
In a statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the players for their commitment throughout the competition.
“Football has its highs and lows, but your effort, dedication, and fighting spirit have earned the respect and gratitude of Nigerians at home and abroad. You reminded us that wearing the green and white represents courage, unity, and perseverance. Hold your heads high, learn from this experience, remain united, and return stronger,” the minister said.
With their improved ranking and renewed confidence, the Super Eagles appear poised to build on this momentum as they prepare for future international engagements.
Super Eagles Climb to 26th in FIFA Ranking After Impressive AFCON Campaign
