Nigeria’s Super Eagles have risen one place in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, moving from 44th to 43rd globally in the first update of 2025. However, despite the slight global improvement, the team dropped one place within Africa, falling out of the continent’s top five.
The new African top five comprises Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria’s rise comes on the back of their recent World Cup qualifying campaign, where they beat Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali but were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at home in Uyo.
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On the global scene, Argentina strengthened their position as the number one ranked nation after confirming their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Spain, France, England, and Brazil retained their spots in the top five.
Editorial
Nigeria’s upward movement in FIFA’s global rankings might appear encouraging on the surface, but the real headline is the drop out of Africa’s top five a sobering reflection of the competitive gap emerging on the continent.
While victories like the one over Rwanda do contribute to the point tally, draws against lower-ranked teams like Zimbabwe expose the inconsistency that continues to plague the Super Eagles. In a continent as competitive as Africa, slipping even one position can have ramifications in tournament seedings and qualification draws.
It’s also a warning. Nations like Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt are consolidating momentum, while Nigeria continues to hover on the edge neither falling apart nor pushing forward. For a team with such immense talent and global presence, mediocrity cannot be the norm.
Head coach Eric Chelle must now focus not only on results but also on dominance. The only way back into Africa’s top tier is through assertive, consistent performances—anything less will keep Nigeria on the fringes.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria’s highest-ever FIFA ranking was 5th in the world, achieved in April 1994 after their World Cup debut.
- Argentina has topped the FIFA rankings since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
- The Super Eagles’ 2-0 win over Rwanda marked their first clean sheet in three matches under Eric Chelle.
- Côte d’Ivoire’s rise in the rankings follows their triumphant 2023 AFCON campaign on home soil.
- FIFA updates its men’s rankings several times a year, with competitive matches weighing more than friendlies.
