Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the recently held 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has led to the Super Eagles moving up 12 positions to reach 26th place in the latest FIFA global rankings announced yesterday.
The three-time African champions were placed 38th prior to the start of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco last December.
The Super Eagles, who remained undefeated from the group stage until their defeat by the host nation Morocco following a demanding 120-minute semifinal match decided by penalty kicks, also made a significant impact on the continent, currently ranked third behind champions Senegal (12th) and runners-up Morocco (8th).
Algeria and Egypt, teams that the Super Eagles defeated in the AFCON, are ranked fourth and fifth in Africa, respectively.
Coach Eric Chelle and his team stunned the continent, rising from the ashes of missing the 2026 World Cup to becoming a side that every opponent fears in Morocco.
Nigeria’s agile forward line, featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Jerome Akor Adams, overwhelmed adversaries, forcing them into submission, while Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Wilfred Ndidi dominated the midfield. The Eagles’ defensive quartet of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi formed an unbreakable barrier that kept all unwanted threats at bay. This team netted 14 goals in seven matches during regular play and allowed only four goals against.
Following a defeat by Morocco, the host nation, in the semifinals, taking seven-time champions Egypt to a penalty shootout was an ordeal that many African teams feared. However, Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero during the shootouts, saving the penalties from Egypt’s key players: Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, which helped Nigeria secure third place, marking the ninth AFCON trophy in Nigeria’s illustrious history.
The African football event also saw several teams from the continent improve their positions in the latest FIFA rankings. Notable improvements include Algeria (28th, up 6), semi-finalists Egypt (31st, up 4), former champions Côte d’Ivoire (37th, up 5), and Democratic Republic of Congo (48th, up 8).
In the worldwide rankings, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, and the Netherlands maintained their top seven spots, while Morocco moved up to eighth place. Belgium and Germany, which had dropped in the standings, finished in the Top 10 of the global football hierarchy for January.
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Tagged: Morocco, Nigeria, Soccer, North Africa, West Africa, Sport
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