Nigeria’s Super Eagles have risen 12 places to 26th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, according to the list released on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The rise, from 38th to 26th follows Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Eagles secured a third-place finish and claimed the bronze medal. The impressive showing included six wins in seven matches, with the only defeat coming against hosts Morocco in a tight semifinal decided by penalties.
Nigeria is now the third-best team in Africa, behind AFCON finalists Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco, placed eighth in the world. Algeria and Egypt, both eliminated by Nigeria at the tournament, occupy fourth and fifth positions respectively on the African ranking.
Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia make up the world’s top 10 teams.