FIFA Rankings: Nigeria Climb to 26th Globally, Highest Since 2010
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have risen to 26th place in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking,
marking the nation’s highest position on the global list since March 2010, when Nigeria was ranked 21st.
The ranking was released on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Nigeria’s national team moved up 12 places from its previous position at 38th in the world, a significant
leap credited largely to the Super Eagles’ impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
(AFCON) in Morocco, where the team finished third and secured the bronze medal.
The tournament run included six wins and only one defeat in regulation time, with Nigeria ultimately
defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place playoff.
The rise to 26th place also positions Nigeria as the third-highest ranked African nation in the latest FIFA
ranking period, behind Senegal (12th) and Morocco (8th). Other African teams such as Algeria and Egypt
also improved their rankings following the AFCON tournament.
According to FIFA’s official ranking release, Nigeria recorded one of the biggest points increases among
all national teams in this update, gaining 79.09 ranking points, a sign of the team’s strong showing
across multiple matches in Morocco.
The improved ranking reflects a broader positive trajectory for Nigerian football after several years of
fluctuation in the FIFA standings, and the 26th placement marks the country’s best standing in global
men’s football in more than 15 years.
Fans and analysts have noted that the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign, driven by both attacking prowess and defensive resilience under head coach Éric Chelle, was instrumental in turning around Nigeria’s international position.
The next FIFA ranking update will assess results from future international fixtures, including qualifiers for
the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other continental competitions.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
