The Super Eagles experienced mixed fortunes in the first FIFA rankings of 2025, dropping to sixth in Africa while moving up to 43rd globally.

Nigeria lost its fifth-place ranking in Africa to Ivory Coast, the current Africa Cup of Nations champions. However, the Super Eagles managed to climb one spot in the global standings due to Romania’s decline in the latest rankings.

This shift follows their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, where Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, but was held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

With these results, Nigeria accumulated a total of 1481.35 ranking points, trailing Ivory Coast by six points.

Despite the ranking boost, the Super Eagles remain fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, putting them at risk of missing out on the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico—which would mark their second consecutive absence from the competition.

Meanwhile, Morocco retained its position as Africa’s top-ranked team, moving up to 12th globally.

Top Five African Teams:

1. Morocco (12th globally)

2. Senegal (19th globally)

3. Egypt (32nd globally)

4. Algeria (36th globally)

5. Ivory Coast (41st globally)

Global Top Five Rankings:

1. Argentina

2. Spain

3. France

4. England

5. Brazil

In other developments, Myanmar made the biggest climb, moving seven places to 162nd, while Guinea-Bissau suffered the biggest drop, falling eight places to 128th.

Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina gained the most points (+24.16), whereas Iraq lost the most (-29.46).

FIFA has announced that the next rankings update will be released on July 10, 2025, after the second international break of the year.

Former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, has passed away after collapsing during a boxing match in Ghana on Saturday.

Olanrewaju lost consciousness while competing against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at “Fight Night 15” of the “Ghana Professional Boxing League” at “Bukom Boxing Arena.”

It was gathered that he was ahead on points before the unfortunate incident occurred.

A video circulating on social media captures the moment he collapsed.

The boxing community is in mourning following his sudden passing.

Olanrewaju, a highly regarded figure in Nigerian boxing, had previously held both the “National” and “West African light-heavyweight” titles.

His impact on the sport in Nigeria and across West Africa has been widely recognized, with colleagues and fans honoring his legacy.

• Why Financial, Energy, Bakery Giants Rally Behind Landmark Tournament.

Top financial and energy institutions, including First Bank, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), and AITEO Group, have thrown their weight behind the South West Games 2025, solidifying the tournament’s status as a force for youth empowerment and regional development. Their support marks a major investment in grassroots sports, reinforcing the role of athletics in economic growth, tourism, and job creation.

The South West Games 2025 is a game-changing initiative poised to unearth exceptional talent and drive sustainable socio-economic transformation in the region. With corporate giants such as First Bank, UBA, and AITEO Group backing the tournament, it is set to redefine the landscape of sports in Nigeria. Beyond athletic excellence, it will spur investments in tourism, commerce, and job creation.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the President of the Organizing Committee, Akogun Lanre Alfred, stated that their endorsement signals a strong corporate commitment to the development of sports as a vehicle for social and economic advancement.

Alfred emphasized the profound impact of this support, stating, “With corporate giants such as AITEO, First Bank, UBA, and OldEnglish Bakery, rallying behind this initiative, the South West Games 2025 is set to reshape the landscape of Nigerian sports. Beyond the competitive spirit, the tournament will stimulate investment, create employment opportunities, and elevate Nigeria’s status on the global sporting stage.”

According to Alfred, the South West Games 2025 will serve as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing young talent while fostering economic vibrancy across various sectors. “This is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that will drive business opportunities, promote regional tourism, and empower a new generation of athletes,” he added.

The COO of OldEnglish Bakery, Adebowale Odesola , expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that, “The South West Games 2025 will create opportunities for young athletes while stimulating economic activities across multiple sectors. Beyond the competition, it will drive business opportunities, support local enterprises, and foster youth development.”

“This is more than just a tournament; it is an avenue for transformation. The synergy between corporate organizations and sports stakeholders will ensure that the South West Games 2025 sets a new benchmark for excellence. We are proud to be part of this historic initiative, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the region,” Odesola added.

According to him, the inclusion of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BATSWAG) is a visionary initiative that will accelerate grassroots sports development and provide a platform for young Nigerians to achieve global recognition. “By nurturing young talent, we are not only promoting sports but also securing a brighter future for the next generation of Nigerian athletes,” he remarked.

However, AITEO Group, a leading player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, is no stranger to sports sponsorship, having been a major supporter of Nigerian football. Its decision to sponsor the South West Games further cements its reputation as a corporate entity invested in grassroots development. By partnering with the tournament, AITEO Group aims to provide young athletes with world-class training facilities and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the South West Games becomes a breeding ground for future national and international champions.

In the same vein, First Bank’s involvement aligns with its long-standing commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment. As Nigeria’s oldest and most trusted financial institution, First Bank recognizes the power of sports in shaping lives, instilling discipline, and opening new frontiers for economic opportunity. By championing this initiative, the bank reaffirms its role in fostering sustainable development through strategic investments in youth-focused programs.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA), renowned for its pan-African reach and dedication to community development, has also thrown its weight behind the tournament. UBA’s sponsorship underscores its mission of enriching lives and creating platforms for young Nigerians to showcase their talents on a grand scale. The bank’s support extends beyond financial backing, as it seeks to empower athletes with financial literacy programs and entrepreneurial opportunities that will secure their futures beyond sports.

The South West Games 2025 will feature 1,200 athletes and 120 officials across multiple sporting disciplines, with one of the major highlights being BATSWAG, a sub-event designed to discover and groom young talents under the age of 18.

Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Games are expected to generate a ripple effect of economic benefits, boosting local businesses, hospitality, tourism, and job creation. The participation of corporate giants such as First Bank, UBA, and AITEO Group further validates the tournament’s economic significance and long-term impact on the region.

The growing list of eminent personalities and institutions that have thrown their weight behind the tournament has served as a remarkable boost to preparations en route to the kickoff date. Other distinguished figures and institutions who have endorsed the initiative include Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba (CFR); Bashorun Dele Momodu, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab; National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Director-General, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (OON); business magnates, Julius Rone; Solaye Jeremi, legendary footballer, Segun Odegbami (MON); former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick; as well as corporate giants such as UTMFLNG, SPYER Limited and Odu’a Investment.

With excitement building ahead of the March 26th kickoff, the endorsement of the South West Games by corporate titans signals a new era for sports development in Nigeria. As preparations intensify, all eyes are set on what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent, resilience, and economic advancement.