The Super Eagles of Nigeria have ended 2025 ranked 38th in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking released on 22 December.
The ranking update, published by FIFA, places Nigeria on 1502.46 points, leaving the three-time African champions just outside the world’s top 35, but the Super Eagles remained the 5th highest-ranked team on the continent.
Nigeria’s final international window of the year was packed with decisive fixtures. In November, the Super Eagles travelled to Rabat for the 2026 World Cup African qualifying play-offs.
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
