List Fifa Ranking: where Nigeria Stands in 2025

In 2025, the FIFA Men’s World Rankings provide a snapshot of global football’s competitive landscape, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles remain a significant force in African and international football. As a nation with a storied football history, including three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles and multiple World Cup appearances, Nigeria’s ranking reflects its performance in qualifiers, friendlies, and major tournaments.

 The rankings, updated periodically by FIFA using the Elo-based system, assess teams based on match results, opponent strength, and competition importance. For Nigerians, the Super Eagles’ standing is a source of pride and a gauge of their progress toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This article details Nigeria’s position in the FIFA rankings as of the latest updates in 2025, explores their performance trajectory, and highlights key African and global competitors, offering insights for fans and analysts alike.

Nigeria’s FIFA Ranking in 2025

As of the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking update on July 11, 2025, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are ranked 43rd globally with 1481.35 points, placing them sixth in Africa. This position reflects a slight improvement from their 44th global ranking at the end of 2024, driven by their performance in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria’s recent results include a 1-0 win over Libya in the AFCON qualifiers, a 2-0 victory against Rwanda in World Cup qualifiers, and a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic, though a 2-1 loss to Rwanda cost them points. These mixed outcomes highlight the Super Eagles’ potential but also their inconsistency, which has seen them slip out of Africa’s top five.

Nigeria’s Position in African Football

In the African context, Nigeria trails behind several powerhouses:

1. Morocco (12th globally, 1694.24 points): The Atlas Lions lead Africa, bolstered by their 2022 World Cup semifinal run and consistent performances in qualifiers. Their tactical discipline and global competitiveness make them the continent’s benchmark.
2. Senegal (19th globally): The Teranga Lions, ranked second in Africa, have climbed due to strong showings in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, including wins over Burkina Faso and Burundi.
3. Egypt (32nd globally): Egypt’s steady form in qualifiers secures their third spot in Africa, with a focus on defensive solidity.
4. Algeria (36th globally): Algeria overtook Nigeria in November 2024 after a 5-1 win over Liberia, showcasing their attacking prowess.
5. Cote d’Ivoire (41st globally): The reigning AFCON champions have surged into Africa’s top five with victories over Burundi and Gambia, pushing Nigeria to sixth.
   
   

Nigeria’s sixth-place ranking in Africa reflects a competitive field, with only a few points separating them from Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia (49th globally, seventh in Africa). The Super Eagles’ drop from fourth in Africa in October 2024 (36th globally) to sixth by April 2025 underscores the need for more consistent results in high-stakes matches.

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Global Context: Top Teams in 2025

Globally, the FIFA rankings are dominated by:

1. Argentina (1885.36 points): The 2022 World Cup winners have held the top spot since April 2023, with their Copa América success reinforcing their dominance.
2. Spain (1867.09 points): European and Olympic champions, Spain’s rise to second reflects their Nations League performances.
3. France (1862.03 points): Despite dropping to third, France remains a powerhouse with depth and talent.
4. England (1813.32 points): The Three Lions maintain fourth, driven by consistent tournament showings.
   
5. Brazil (1777.69 points): Brazil holds fifth, with their five World Cup titles underscoring their legacy.
   
   

Nigeria’s 43rd position places them behind these global giants but ahead of many African peers, reflecting their potential to climb with stronger performances.

Factors Influencing Nigeria’s Ranking

The FIFA Elo rating system, adopted in 2018, calculates rankings based on match outcomes, opponent strength, and competition type (e.g., World Cup qualifiers carry more weight than friendlies). Nigeria’s recent performance includes:

• 2025 AFCON Qualifiers: A 1-0 win over Libya secured their group lead, boosting their ranking from 39th to 36th in October 2024. However, a subsequent draw and loss in World Cup qualifiers led to a drop.
• World Cup Qualifiers: A 2-0 win against Rwanda in September 2025 helped Nigeria climb to 43rd, but a 2-1 loss to Rwanda and a 1-1 draw with Benin cost 21.06 points, highlighting inconsistency.
  
  
• Historical Context: Nigeria’s highest FIFA ranking was 5th in 1994, during their golden era with players like Rashidi Yekini. Their lowest was 82nd in 2017, reflecting struggles post-2013 AFCON.
  
  

Injuries to key players like Victor Osimhen and inconsistent coaching, with Finidi George’s exit after poor World Cup qualifier results, have impacted Nigeria’s form. The appointment of a new technical adviser in 2025 aims to stabilize the squad.

Comparison with African Rivals

Nigeria’s sixth-place ranking in Africa is a step back from their third-place position in April 2024 (30th globally), when they outranked Cote d’Ivoire and Egypt. The Super Eagles’ struggles in recent qualifiers contrast with Morocco’s global rise and Cote d’Ivoire’s AFCON-driven momentum. To reclaim a top-five African spot, Nigeria must improve in upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda in September 2025, as these matches carry significant ranking points.

Strategies to Improve Nigeria’s Ranking

To climb the FIFA rankings, Nigeria can focus on:

• Consistency in Qualifiers: Winning against higher-ranked teams like South Africa (57th globally) in World Cup qualifiers will yield more points.
• Leveraging Talent: Players like Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, and Samuel Chukwueze, who play in top European leagues, must deliver in international matches.
• Stable Management: The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should ensure coaching stability and invest in youth development to sustain long-term success.
• Fan Support: Nigeria’s passionate fanbase, evident on platforms like Twitter, can boost morale, but the NFF must address criticisms over logistics and player welfare.
  
  

The next FIFA ranking update on September 18, 2025, will reflect Nigeria’s performance in these qualifiers, offering a chance to regain ground.

Nigeria’s Women’s Team: A Bright Spot

While this article focuses on the men’s team, it’s worth noting that Nigeria’s Super Falcons lead Africa in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, holding 36th globally with 1630.83 points as of August 2024. Their dominance, despite a poor 2024 Olympics showing, highlights Nigeria’s broader footballing strength.

Conclusion

In 2025, Nigeria’s Super Eagles stand at 43rd in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, sixth in Africa, trailing Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Cote d’Ivoire. Their position reflects a mix of promising wins and costly setbacks in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. With a talented squad featuring Premier League stars like Alex Iwobi and Taiwo Awoniyi, Nigeria has the potential to climb higher if they address inconsistencies and leverage high-stakes matches. The FIFA Elo system rewards strong performances against top teams, making upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers critical. 

For Nigerian fans, following updates via sources like Punch Newspapers or CAF’s official site keeps them connected to the Super Eagles’ journey. By fostering stability, harnessing talent, and rallying fan support, Nigeria can aim for a top-30 global ranking and a return to Africa’s elite, cementing their legacy as a football powerhouse in 2025 and beyond.