Nigeria Soar to Best FIFA Ranking in 15 Years After AFCON Run

Nigeria have recorded their biggest rise in over a decade in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday. The Super Eagles climbed from 38th to 26th globally after an Africa Cup of Nations campaign. FIFA confirmed Nigeria gained 79 points, describing it as the “most points scored” by any national team in this ranking window.

It is Nigeria’s highest position since March 2010, when they ranked 21st, ending years of fluctuation. The jump reflects their showing at AFCON 2025, where they finished third in the playoff.

Nigeria won five matches and drew two, losing only on penalties in the semi-final against Morocco. They beat Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria, finishing as top scorers with 14 goals.

Senegal rose to 12th, Morocco eighth, while Spain remain number one.