The Super Eagles of Nigeria have recorded a major rise in global football standings after being ranked 26th in the latest FIFA men’s rankings released on Monday.
The new position represents a remarkable jump of 12 places from Nigeria’s previous ranking of 38th, marking one of the country’s most significant improvements in recent years. It is also Nigeria’s highest position in the global rankings since May 2010, when the Super Eagles were placed 21st in the world.
In Africa, Nigeria now sits third on the continent, reaffirming the team’s return to elite status after several years of inconsistent results and ranking fluctuations.
The sharp rise has largely been attributed to Nigeria’s impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. During the tournament, the Super Eagles remained unbeaten in regulation time throughout their campaign, demonstrating tactical discipline, resilience, and renewed confidence under pressure.
Nigeria advanced deep into the competition and secured the bronze medal after narrowly losing to Morocco on penalties in the semi-final. The team’s ability to compete strongly against top African nations significantly boosted their FIFA ranking points.
Football analysts have noted that Nigeria’s AFCON journey reflected a blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, with the team showing consistency across group and knockout stages. Their performances not only impressed fans but also earned international recognition through the ranking system.
Morocco, despite losing the AFCON final to Senegal, also enjoyed a major leap in the global standings. The Atlas Lions climbed into the world’s top ten and are now ranked eighth globally, confirming their status as one of football’s rising forces.
Senegal, crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, remain Africa’s highest-ranked nation. The Teranga Lions moved up seven places to 12th in the world, maintaining their dominance on the continent and consistency at the global level.
While Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal celebrated gains, other African nations experienced declines. Equatorial Guinea recorded the biggest fall in the latest update, dropping ten places to 107th in the world rankings. Gabon, meanwhile, lost the highest number of total ranking points, reflecting a difficult international window.
Globally, Spain retained their position as the world’s number one team, continuing their dominance following strong performances in international competitions. Argentina remained second, followed by France in third place.
England and Brazil completed the global top five, while the top seven nations overall remained unchanged, underlining stability among football’s traditional powerhouses.
The FIFA men’s ranking system is calculated based on match results, competition importance, opponent strength, and regional weighting. Performances at major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations carry significant influence, which explains the notable movement among African teams following the conclusion of AFCON 2025.
For Nigeria, the ranking improvement is seen as a major morale boost ahead of upcoming international fixtures, including World Cup qualification matches and continental competitions. The rise is expected to enhance the team’s reputation, attract stronger international friendlies, and improve seeding in future tournaments.
Supporters and football stakeholders have welcomed the development, viewing it as evidence of progress within the national team structure. Many believe the Super Eagles are on a clear path back to global relevance, provided consistency and long-term planning are maintained.
The Nigeria Football Federation has also received praise for backing the technical team and rebuilding the squad around competitive balance rather than individual brilliance alone. The AFCON campaign highlighted improved defensive organization, better game management, and a renewed fighting spirit.
Former players and pundits have described the ranking jump as well deserved, stressing that Nigeria’s performances matched those of elite teams on the continent. They have, however, urged the squad not to become complacent, emphasizing that maintaining a high ranking requires sustained results over time.
Morocco’s rise into the global top ten further underscores Africa’s growing influence in world football. Following their historic World Cup run in 2022 and consistent AFCON performances, the Atlas Lions continue to gain respect internationally.
Senegal’s continued presence near the top reflects long-term development and stability, driven by a core of experienced players competing at the highest levels of European football.
As African teams strengthen their global standing, expectations continue to rise for the continent ahead of future World Cups and international tournaments.
The next FIFA men’s rankings are scheduled for release on April 1, following the international break set for March 23 to March 31. During this period, several nations will compete in qualifiers and friendlies that could further influence global positions.
For Nigeria, the upcoming matches present another opportunity to consolidate their progress and possibly climb even higher in the rankings if results go in their favour.
The Super Eagles’ latest achievement stands as a reminder of the nation’s football heritage and potential. With unity, discipline, and consistent performances, Nigeria’s return to the world’s top tier may only be the beginning.
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