Nigeria’s Super Eagles have recorded a major leap in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, climbing to 26th position in the world and third in Africa.
The ranking, released on Monday, reflects Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the team finished third overall.
The Super Eagles moved up 12 places from their previous 38th position, recording the highest points gain in the latest rankings with an increase of 79.09 points.
Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria won six of their seven matches at the tournament, securing victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, Algeria and Egypt.
Their only setback came in the semi-final, where they lost to host nation Morocco on penalties.
With this rise, Nigeria now trails only African champions Senegal, who are ranked 12th in the world, and Morocco, placed eighth globally.
Algeria and Egypt follow in fourth and fifth positions on the African continent.
At the global level, Spain tops the FIFA rankings, followed by Argentina, France, England and Brazil. Portugal, the Netherlands, Morocco, Belgium and Germany complete the world’s top ten teams.