Nigeria’s Super Eagles have surged to 26th position in the latest FIFA World Ranking, released on the football governing body’s website on Monday, 19 January, 2026 marking a remarkable 12-place jump.
The team climbed from 38th following an impressive outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where they finished third overall.
Under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, the Eagles displayed remarkable consistency and resilience, winning six of their seven matches in the tournament. Their only defeat came in the semi-finals, when they were edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties.
The team quickly bounced back, securing third place with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the playoff match, showcasing both attacking flair and mental strength.
The top 10 in the latest FIFA ranking continues to be dominated by football powerhouses: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Morocco, Belgium, and Germany.
The Super Eagles also recorded the highest points gain in the ranking, earning +79.09 points.
On the continental stage, the top 10 African countries are: Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tunisia, Congo DR, and Mali.
Nigeria’s rise sends a clear signal that African teams are increasingly making their presence felt on the world stage, with the Super Eagles leading the charge.
