In a significant leap reflecting their continental prowess, Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, have ascended twelve positions in the global football hierarchy. The latest FIFA World Rankings, unveiled on Monday, January 19, 2026, place Nigeria at an impressive 26th in the world, a dramatic rise from their previous 38th-place standing.
AFCON 2025 Performance Fuels Meteoric Rise
This remarkable climb is a direct reward for the team's outstanding campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Morocco. The Eagles secured a third-place finish, claiming the bronze medal in a tournament that showcased their strength and resilience. Their journey to the podium was built on a formidable record of six victories in seven matches.
The team's only setback came in a nail-biting semifinal clash against the tournament hosts, Morocco. The match was so tightly contested that it had to be decided by a penalty shootout. This strong showing against top-tier opposition underscored the quality of Nigeria's performance throughout the competition.
New Hierarchy in African Football
With this new ranking, Nigeria has firmly established itself as the third-best national team in Africa. The Super Eagles now sit behind only the two finalists from the 2025 AFCON. Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco The ranking also highlights Nigeria's dominance over other African giants during the tournament. Both Algeria and Egypt, who were eliminated by the Super Eagles in Morocco, now occupy the fourth and fifth positions respectively in the African ranking, trailing behind Nigeria's new position. At the very pinnacle of world football, the top ten positions in the FIFA ranking are held by familiar powerhouses. The list is comprised of Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia. Nigeria's new position at 26th brings them closer to this elite group and marks one of the team's highest placements in recent years. This ranking update serves as a powerful testament to the squad's development and the successful tactics employed during the AFCON tournament. It provides a substantial morale boost for the team and its supporters as they set their sights on future international challenges, including the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Global Football Landscape
