The Super Eagles’ historic ninth third place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in January has accounted for Nigeria’s emergence in the FIFA Monthly Rankings ahead of eight countries going to the World Cup from the continent.
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Sports247 gathered that Nigeria retains third spot in Africa and 26th globally in the latest rankings released by world football governing body, FIFA, on Tuesday, behind only Morocco (Africa’s top nation) and Senegal (second place).
Dramatically, Nigeria’s lofty spot in the continent puts them way ahead of DR Congo and South Africa, the two countries that directly stopped the Super Eagles from getting a World Cup ticket for the second straight edition running.
Nigeria hold unto third place in Africa, despite losing -1.81 points, with a current total of 1585.09, but the Super Eagles’ haul is below Africa’s second placed country, Senegal, who dropped two spots to 14th in the world with 1688.99 points.
Morocco remain Africa’s top ranked team and retain 8th spot on the global stage, with a total of 1755.87 points, while Algeria (28th), Egypt (29th), Cote d’Ivoire (up three spots to 34th), Tunisia (44th) and Cameroon (45th) all fall below Nigeria.
Although DR Congo climbed two spots, with qualification to this year’s World Cup, after an absence of 52 years, they are 46th in the world and 8th in Africa, ahead of the continent’s last top-10 nation, Mali (52nd), while South Africa are 11th/60th.
A report by fifa.com added in part, “Spain have once again maintained their grip on top spot in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, with Argentina, France and England retaining their places behind the pace-setters.
“Despite suffering heartbreak in the Africa Cup of Nations final, hosts Morocco have moved up three places to eighth, reaching their highest-ever ranking. It is also the first time the Atlas Lions have returned to the top ten since April 1998.
“Morocco’s ascent has come at a cost for Belgium, Croatia and Germany, who have all dropped one place. Meanwhile, AFCON winners Senegal have been rewarded by moving up an incredible seven places to 12th, also a record high.
“AFCON bronze medallists Nigeria (26th) and quarter-finalists Cameroon (45th) have each shot up an unparalleled 12 places in the ranking following their impressive continental display.
“Algeria are up six to 28th, semi-finalists Egypt have jumped four to 31st, Côte d’Ivoire moved up five to 37th and Congo DR rose eight spots to 48th. CAF now boasts nine nations in the top 50, which is two more than at the end of 2025.”
Top 10 FIFA Rankings in Africa (As of April 1, 2026):
1. Morocco (8th globally)
2. Senegal (14th)
3. Nigeria (26th)
4. Algeria (28th)
5. Egypt (29th)
6. Ivory Coast (34th)
7. Tunisia (44th)
8. Cameroon (45nd)
9. DR Congo (46th)
10. Mali (52nd)
