Nigeria’s Super Eagles have made a significant leap in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, climbing 12 places to 26th globally. This impressive ascent followed their strong performance at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The squad, led by Coach Eric Chelle, secured six wins and one defeat in their seven AFCON matches, accumulating 1581.55 points in January 2026, a notable increase from their 1502.46 points and 38th position in December 2025.
The Eagles are now the third-highest ranked African nation, sitting behind Morocco and Senegal, who maintain their first and second spots on the continent, respectively.
Despite a heartbreaking final defeat, hosts Morocco surged three places to 8th in the global standings, re-entering the top 10 for the first time since April 1998 and achieving their best-ever ranking. AFCON winners Senegal (12th, up by 7) have also been rewarded for their continental triumph, reaching unprecedented heights.
Algeria and Egypt complete Africa’s top five, rising six and four places, respectively, to 28th and 31st globally.
At the top of the world rankings, Spain holds onto first position, with FIFA World Champions Argentina (2nd) and France (3rd) continuing to set the pace.
Morocco’s rise has seen Croatia (11th, down 1), Belgium (9th, down 1), and Germany (10th, down 1) all drop out of the top 10.
Other notable movements included AFCON quarter-finalists Cameroon, who are now 45th in the world and 6th in Africa, having climbed 12 places. Further ranking successes from the African showpiece included rises for Algeria (28th, up 6), semi-finalists Egypt (31st, up 4), dethroned holders Côte d’Ivoire (37th, up 5), and Congo DR (48th, up 8).
Elsewhere, Kosovo (79th, up 1) has reached new territory, while Gabon (86th, down 8), Costa Rica (51st, down 2), and Uzbekistan (52nd, down 2) have all experienced drops.
The AFCON has also impacted the representation of confederations in the top 50, with CAF now boasting nine nations – two more than at the end of 2025. The AFC and Concacaf have each lost one, now with four apiece. UEFA continues to dominate with 26 teams in the top 50, while CONMEBOL has seven representatives, and OFC sides remained absent.
