Nigeria’s Super Eagles retained their position at 26th in the world in FIFA’s latest rankings, following a busy March international window.
The new ranking, which was published on FIFA’s official website on Wednesday, reflects Nigeria’s strong performances in friendlies, including a 2‑1 win over Iran and a 2‑2 draw with Jordan, as well as their showing at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
In the 2025 AFCON tournament, Nigeria won five matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria, drew with Morocco in the semi-finals, and defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff.
Despite these results, the Super Eagles maintained third position in Africa, behind the Atlas Lions of Morocco, and Terangha Lions of Senegal.
Morocco are ranked in eighth position, while Senegal, who dropped two places are ranked 14th.
Globally, France has reclaimed the number one spot after wins over Colombia and Brazil, overtaking Spain, which was held to a goalless draw by a ten-man Egypt. Argentina, England, Portugal, and Brazil round out the top six.
Nigeria will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing their intercontinental play-off to DR Congo and will have to wait until September to start qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
The next FIFA rankings update is scheduled for 10 June 2026, just ahead of the World Cup, when global standings could shift dramatically.
Meanwhile, Victor Boniface is looking forward to playing again after his injury layoff.
The Nigeria international underwent knee surgery in January, and it was believed that he will not play again this season.
Boniface however returned to training this week, and could now make an appearance for Bremen before the end of the season.
“I am happy to be back after three months out,” said the player, who will now train apart from the main squad until he is fully recovered.
“I am now looking forward what we can achieve at the end of the season.”
The 25-year-old joined the Green and Whites on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
