Respected French coach Didier Six has ranked the Super Eagles among Africa’s four most impressive teams right now, a verdict backed up by the latest FIFA rankings.
Respected French coach Didier Six has handed the Super Eagles a rare external endorsement, naming Nigeria among the four African teams making the biggest impression right now. It’s a timely boost for a squad still stinging from a missed World Cup.
Asked which African team impresses him most at the moment, Six pointed to four sides: “Senegal, Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria. The level of these teams is improving and African football is progressing in general,” he told Foot Africa. As a result, Nigeria finds itself grouped with the continent’s traditional heavyweights rather than treated as an outlier.
This isn’t just one coach’s opinion. The latest FIFA rankings currently place Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Nigeria as Africa’s four highest-ranked national teams, which lines up almost exactly with Six’s list. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s recent AFCON record supports the case too — the Super Eagles reached the final in Ivory Coast before claiming bronze at the following edition in Morocco, making them the only African country to finish on the podium at the last two tournaments.
Individual honours add further weight. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was named African Footballer of the Year in 2023, and Atletico Madrid’s Ademola Lookman claimed the award the year after — back-to-back wins for Nigerian players in Africa’s most prestigious individual prize.
Part of what’s driving the recognition is how many Super Eagles players now hold down regular roles at clubs across Europe’s top five leagues. Names like Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Ola Aina, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi are all established figures at their clubs, not fringe squad members. That depth of representation is exactly the kind of signal that shapes how outside observers rank a national team.
The timing gives this praise extra significance. Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign kicks off this month against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and a missed World Cup has left Nigerian fans wary of getting ahead of themselves. However, an outside voice ranking the Super Eagles alongside Senegal, Morocco and Egypt offers a reminder that, on the continental stage at least, Nigeria’s stock remains high.
For fans following the qualifying campaign this endorsement precedes, see our previews of Nigeria vs Madagascar and Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau, plus our full AFCON 2027 qualifying guide.
Which teams did Didier Six name as Africa’s best right now?
Senegal, Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria.
Do the FIFA rankings support this?
Yes. Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Nigeria are currently Africa’s four highest-ranked national teams.
Why is Nigeria’s recent AFCON record notable?
The Super Eagles are the only African country to finish on the podium at the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments — runners-up in Ivory Coast, then bronze in Morocco.
18+. Bet responsibly and only with what you can afford to lose.
⚡ Ready to bet? Mozzartbet — ₦50,000 Free Bet + 500 Aviator Free Bets. Read our Mozzartbet review or claim the offer now.
18+. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
