Nigeria will enter the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ranked 38th in the world after FIFA released the final global rankings of the year on Monday, just hours into the start of the tournament in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles remain unchanged from November’s update and retain their place as Africa’s sixth-best ranked team. It brings a steady close to a mixed year, with Nigeria finishing six places higher than their starting position of 44th.
When the fans show up like this, everything changes. ❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/eRB37ZnETG
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025
The year began with a small rise to 43rd in April before a mid-year dip saw Nigeria fall to 45th by September. A strong recovery followed, with a four-place jump in October and a further three-place rise in November lifting the Eagles to their current ranking.
Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked side at 11th globally, with Senegal second on the continent. Algeria moved ahead of Egypt into fourth place in Africa, pushing the Pharaohs down to fifth.
In Group C, Nigeria are ranked above all their AFCON opponents. Tunisia sit 41st, Uganda 85th, while Tanzania slipped to 112th by year’s end.
Just one day left until our #AFCON2025 opener#Naija4TheWin pic.twitter.com/0dG4Pkrnxg
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 22, 2025
Nigeria face Tanzania on Tuesday, Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.
Spain finished 2025 as the world’s top-ranked team, followed by Argentina and France. The next FIFA rankings will be released on January 19, 2026, the day after the AFCON final.
