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By Seyi Babalola
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed to 26th in the new FIFA men’s world rankings, their highest position in 16 years, following a great performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Morocco, which hosted the tournament, also entered the top ten for the first time since 1998, demonstrating the competition’s significance in African football.
Eric Chelle’s team was one of the greatest movers in the January 2026 FIFA rating, moving 12 places after winning the continental bronze medal.
Their previous highest ranking was in May 2010, when they were ranked 21st in the world.
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Nigeria played seven matches during the ranking window, recording six wins and one loss.
Their campaign included a 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16, a 2–0 quarter-final win against Algeria and a dramatic semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco on penalties after a goalless draw.
The Eagles bounced back in the third-place match, holding Egypt to another scoreless draw before winning 4–2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal.
FIFA confirmed that Nigeria gained 79.09 ranking points, the highest points increase of any nation in the latest update, which underlines the impact of their AFCON performances.
