Morocco made it into the FIFA top-10 world ranking, joining an exclusive club where Nigeria dominates Africa’s top 10 ranking spots.
Despite losing to Senegal in the 2025 AFCON final, Morocco is now ranked 8th in the world, consolidating their rise in world football.
The Atlas Lions are the third African country in that exclusive list, with Nigeria playing a leading role.
All-Time African Top 10 Placement In The FIFA World Rankings
- 5th
Nigeria 🇳🇬 (1994). - 8th
Morocco 🇲🇦 (2026). - 9th
Nigeria 🇳🇬: 2006
Nigeria 🇳🇬: 2007
Egypt 🇪🇬: 2010
- 10th
Egypt 🇪🇬: 2011
Nigeria 🇳🇬: 1995
Nigeria moved up 12 places(joint highest with Cameroon) to rank 26th in the world, courtesy of a 79-point increase (1502.46 to 1586.55).
How Nigeria Dominates Africa’s Top 10 Ranking
In April 1994, Nigeria was ranked 5th and eventually fell to 12th, ending the year outside of the top 10.
Nigeria was the African champions going into the 1994 World Cup, and smashed Bulgaria (who prevented France from qualifying) 3-0 in our first game.
Also, the team beat Greece 2-0, lost to Argentina by a slim margin despite one of the most star-studded teams. A Nigerian player (Emenalo, later Director at Chelsea) was Man of the Match in Maradona’s last competitive game.
Meanwhile, the Eagles lost to Baggio’s (reigning World Cup best) Italy via a slim margin in a fiercely competitive game. Nigeria’s team emerged as the most exciting team to watch at the US 94 World Cup.
Nigeria’s Highs and Lows in FIFA Ranking
Since ranking in the top five in the world in April 1994, Nigeria has never hit the same spot, but it managed to make the top ten.
In September 1995, Nigeria was back in the top 10, ranking 10th.
Also, the Super Eagles were ranked 9th in the world twice in 2006 (February) and 2007 (April).
However, the Super Eagles hit their lowest ranking in 1999, sinking to 82nd in the world in June, coming from 72nd in 1998.
