Super Eagles Conclude 2025 as 38th Globally in FIFA Rankings

As 2025 draws to a close, Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, secure the 38th spot in the latest FIFA world rankings released this Monday. This placement underscores the team’s gradual but steady advancement throughout a year marked by fluctuating performances and a strong finish.

Early 2025: A Challenging Start for the Super Eagles

At the beginning of the year, the Super Eagles were positioned 44th worldwide, signaling significant potential for growth. By April, they inched up to 43rd, sparking optimism among fans and analysts alike. However, this momentum was short-lived as the team slipped back to 44th in July and further declined to 45th in September, reflecting a period of inconsistency.

Turning Point: AFCON Success Fuels Ranking Surge

October marked a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s football fortunes. The Super Eagles achieved their most substantial ranking improvement since early 2024, climbing to 41st place. This leap was largely driven by their commendable performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they earned the silver medal. The tournament showcased Nigeria’s resilience and skill, reigniting confidence in the squad’s capabilities.

Building on this momentum, Nigeria advanced three more spots in November, solidifying their position at 38th-a ranking they will carry into the new year.

Maintaining a Competitive Edge Within Africa

Despite the ups and downs on the global stage, Nigeria maintained a strong foothold within the African continent, finishing as the sixth-best team. This standing reaffirms the Super Eagles’ status as one of Africa’s elite football nations.

Leading the continent, Morocco secured a spot just outside the global top ten, followed closely by Senegal. Other prominent African teams such as Algeria and Egypt also featured prominently in the rankings. Nigeria’s consistent presence among Africa’s top six teams highlights their enduring competitiveness, even during phases of global ranking volatility.

Global Context and Future Outlook

On the international front, Spain concluded 2025 as the highest-ranked team worldwide, followed by Argentina and France. England and Brazil rounded out the top five, while Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia completed the top ten, reflecting the continued dominance of traditional football powerhouses.

For Nigeria, ending the year six places higher than their starting position is a clear indicator of positive progress. This upward trajectory suggests that the Super Eagles are on a promising path as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

The next FIFA rankings update is scheduled for January 19, 2026, just one day after the AFCON final in Morocco. With significant tournaments on the horizon, Nigeria aims to capitalize on their recent gains and push further up the global rankings.