By Abiola Olawale
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have made a leap in the first FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking of 2026, climbing 12 places to occupy the 26th position globally.
This surge follows an impressive bronze-medal performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Previously ranked 38th at the end of 2025, the Nigerian national team is now firmly back among the world’s elite footballing nations.
The latest update from football’s governing body highlights Nigeria’s resurgence on both the continental and global stages.
Under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, the Eagles displayed remarkable consistency and resilience, winning six of their seven matches in the tournament. Their only defeat came in the semi-finals, when they were edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties.
The team quickly bounced back, securing third place with a 4-2 victory over Egypt in the playoff match, showcasing both attacking flair and mental strength.
The top 10 in the latest FIFA ranking continues to be dominated by football powerhouses: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Morocco, Belgium, and Germany. The Super Eagles also recorded the highest points gain in the ranking, earning +79.09 points.
On the continental stage, the top 10 African countries are Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tunisia, Congo DR, and Mali.
Nigeria’s rise sends a clear signal that African teams are increasingly making their presence felt on the world stage, with the Super Eagles leading the charge.
