According to the most recent FIFA Men’s World Ranking, which was published on December 22, the Super Eagles of Nigeria finished 2025 placed 38th.
Nigeria, the three-time African champions, are now just outside the top 35 in the globe with 1502.46 points, according to FIFA’s ranking update. However, the Super Eagles are still the fifth-best team on the continent.
There were a lot of important matches in Nigeria’s last international window of the year. For the 2026 World Cup African qualification play-offs, the Super Eagles traveled to Rabat in November.
They delivered one of their most convincing performances of the year with a 4-1 victory over Gabon after extra time in the semi-final, a result that briefly reignited hopes of securing a World Cup ticket.
That momentum, however, was halted three days later in the final against DR Congo. After a tense 1-1 draw, Nigeria fell 4-3 on penalties, a defeat that not only dashed qualification dreams but also weighed heavily on their ranking points.
December offered little respite. As part of preparations for AFCON 2025, Nigeria faced Egypt in a high-profile friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.
The encounter ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Super Eagles, exposing areas still needing refinement as the tournament approached.
Despite those setbacks, the Super Eagles remain firmly in contention on the continental stage. Their AFCON 2025 campaign opens on 23 December against Tanzania in Fez, followed by clashes with Tunisia on 27 December and Uganda on 30 December, all scheduled at the same venue.
Globally, the ranking table is topped by Spain, who finish the year as the world’s number one side, ahead of Argentina and France. England, Brazil and Portugal complete the top six.
Morocco remain in the 11th spot in the world and first in Africa, followed by Senegal, Algeria and Egypt.
Below is the final FIFA Men’s World Ranking in 2025
1. Spain – 1877.18
2. Argentina – 1873.33
3. France – 1870.00
4. England – 1834.12
5. Brazil – 1760.46
6. Portugal – 1760.38
7. Netherlands – 1756.27
8. Belgium – 1730.71
9. Germany – 1724.15
10. Croatia – 1716.88
11. Morocco – 1716.34
12. Italy – 1702.06
13. Colombia – 1701.30
14. USA – 1681.88
15. Mexico – 1675.75
16. Uruguay – 1672.62
17. Switzerland – 1654.69
18. Japan – 1650.12
19. Senegal – 1648.07
20. IR Iran – 1617.02
21. Denmark – 1616.75
22. Korea Republic – 1599.45
23. Ecuador – 1591.73
24. Austria – 1585.51
25. Türkiye – 1582.69
26. Australia – 1574.01
27. Canada – 1559.15
28. Ukraine – 1557.47
29. Norway – 1553.14
30. Panama – 1540.43
31. Poland – 1532.04
32. Wales – 1529.71
33. Russia – 1524.52
34. Algeria – 1517.68
35. Egypt – 1515.18
36. Scotland – 1506.77
37. Serbia – 1506.34
38. Nigeria – 1502.46
39. Paraguay – 1501.50
40. Hungary – 1496.29
