The Super Eagles of Nigeria will end 2025 ranked 38th in the world, according to the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Monday, December 22. This confirms a steady upward trajectory for the national team after a year of mixed results on both the continental and global stages.
Nigeria’s current global position remains unchanged from the November 19 ranking, following a three-place climb from 41st. The team also retained its sixth-place ranking in Africa, behind continental leaders such as Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, and Egypt.
The year 2025 proved to be a rollercoaster for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles opened the year ranked 44th, rising to 43rd in April before slipping back to 44th in July and further to 45th in September. This period reflected inconsistent performances and transitional phases as the team worked to consolidate its squad and tactics.
A major turning point came in October, when the Super Eagles surged to 41st globally—their biggest rise since February 2024. This boost coincided with Nigeria’s silver-medal finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), demonstrating that the team could deliver on the continental stage. The momentum continued into November, lifting Nigeria three more places to 38th, a position they now hold heading into 2026.
Across Africa, Morocco leads the continent, sitting 11th globally. Senegal follows at 19th, Algeria climbed to 34th, and Egypt dropped to 35th, placing them fifth in Africa. These shifts reflect the dynamic nature of African football and highlight how performances in major tournaments such as AFCON influence continental standings.
On the global stage, the rankings continue to be dominated by Europe and South America. Spain tops the world, followed by Argentina and France. England holds fourth place, Brazil fifth, and Portugal and the Netherlands round out the top seven. Belgium, Germany, and Croatia complete the global top 10, showcasing a mix of long-standing football powerhouses and emerging contenders.
Looking ahead, FIFA’s next ranking release is scheduled for January 19, 2026, just one day after the AFCON final in Morocco. This timing ensures that performances in the tournament will be reflected immediately in the rankings, giving fans and analysts a clear picture of the impact of continental competitions on the global stage.
