The Super Eagles of Nigeria have climbed to 26th in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, their highest position in 16 years, following a strong run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, AFCON.
Morocco, the hosts, also made it into the top 10 for the first time since 1998, demonstrating the tournament’s enormous influence on African football.
After winning the bronze in the continental championship, Eric Chelle’s team moved up 12 spots in the January 2026 FIFA rating, making them one of the greatest movers.
They were ranked 21st in the world in May 2010, which was their greatest ranking to date.
During the ranking timeframe, Nigeria participated in seven games, winning six and losing one.
They defeated Mozambique 4-0 in the round of 16, defeated Algeria 2-0 in the quarterfinals, and lost to hosts Morocco on penalties following a goalless draw in the semi-finals.
In the third-place game, the Eagles recovered, holding Egypt to another scoreless draw before winning 4-2 on penalties to take home the bronze.
The importance of their AFCON accomplishments is shown by FIFA’s confirmation that Nigeria received 79.09 ranking points, the greatest point rise of any country in the most recent update.
Morocco moved up three spots to ninth, their highest-ever ranking and their first return to the top 10 since April 1998, despite losing the final to Senegal in extra time.
Senegal’s victory allowed them to move up seven spots to 12th, which is also a national best.
Spain continues to hold the top spot in the list, followed by Argentina and France, the world champions.
Croatia, Belgium, and Germany all lost spots as Morocco rose into the top 10.
In other parts of Africa, Algeria climbed to 28th, Egypt to 31st, and Ivory Coast to 37th, while Cameroon and Nigeria both saw the largest increases in ranking positions, each rising 12 spots.
Nine CAF teams are currently among the top 50 in the world, two more than at the end of 2025.
