Nigeria’s national football team has reached its highest FIFA world ranking since May 2010. The Super Eagles climbed 12 places to 26th globally in the latest list released this week. This dramatic rise follows their bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The team’s previous peak was 21st in the world 16 years ago. FIFA data confirms Nigeria gained 79.09 ranking points, the highest increase of any nation this period. Coach Eric Chelle’s side was unbeaten in regulation time during its AFCON campaign.
Nigeria won six of its seven matches in the ranking window. Its run included a semi-final penalty shootout loss to host Morocco. The team then defeated Egypt on penalties to secure third place.
Consequently, Nigeria is now the third-best team in Africa. It sits behind only AFCON champion Senegal and runner-up Morocco. This also places Nigeria above continental rivals Algeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
This ranking brings a significant resurgence for Nigerian football. The team had languished outside the world’s top 30 for much of the past decade. Its consistent AFCON performance directly triggered this historic climb.
African football overall gained greater global standing. Morocco broke into the world’s top ten for the first time since 1998. Senegal also achieved its highest-ever ranking after winning the continental title.
