After the gruesome yet entertaining round 16 games, Nigeria remain on top of the power rankings with Ivory Coast moving to second place after the wonderful victory over Burkina Faso.
Senegal remains in the top 3 with Morocco and Egypt retrogressing to 6th and 7th positions, respectively.
Mali unquestionably sits at the bottom of the final eight teams’ rankings after failing to win a single game thus far.
Criteria for the rankings
It is solely based on the performances of each team in the round 16 games.
1. Nigeria
The Super Eagles were super against the Mambas of Mozambique. The gap between the two teams on the night was so huge to the extent that Nigeria could have smashed them into pieces completely. Nigeria, after missing the World Cup have determined to return to Abuja with the coveted AFCON trophy to appease the millions of fans with much confidence written all over their faces. Eric Chelles’ side has scored an astonishing 12 goals, which is more than any team in the competition. Their attack on paper looks scary, and it is living up to the expectations. Osimhen scored a brace, with Lookman scoring one and assisting two. Akor Adams’ powerful strike sealed a wonderful 4-0 win over Mozambique. The Mambas looked so jaded due to the immense quality Nigeria possesses. Opponents must watch out for Nigeria as they unleash their anger on them after the massive disappointment of not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria have won all four games played and will hope to make it five in the quarter-finals. They remain on top of the rankings simply because they played extremely well against Mozambique.
2. Ivory Coast
The West African derby had promised to be feisty, but the Ivory Coast made it look like a very normal match. The Elephants pulverised Burkina Faso 3-0 with Amad Diallo opening the scoring with a composed finish before assisting Diomande to double their lead before half-time. Hoffenheim midfielder Bazoumana Toure, in the 87th minute, completed a successful night for Emerse Faes’ side by scoring the third goal. The defending champions have won three and drawn one in the four games they have played in AFCON 2025. The 3-0 smashing of Burkina Faso was their best performance thus far. The Ivorians have pushed themselves higher up the power rankings with the scintillating performance against Burkina Faso.
3. Senegal
The Lions of Teranga came from an early shock against Sudan to win 3-1. Senegal is a well-spec computer that doesn’t fail to function even when their forwards do not click on the day. Midfielder Pape Gueye of Villareal scored two sumptuous goals in the first half to put Pape Thiaw’s side in the lead before the first half. 17-year-old substitute Ibrahim Mbaye scored the third to kill Sudan’s slim hope of a comeback. Senegal is among the overwhelming favourites, and they have proven to be a tougher opponent than the teams they have played against. With Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Nicholas Jackson in attack, Senegal will make life difficult for whoever comes their way. They move iton the top 3 for the first time.
4. Algeria
Algeria’s confidence is high, and they fancy their chances to remain long in nearby Morocco. The round 16 fixture against Congo D.R. was the ultimate test for Vladimir Petkovic. D.R. Congo have been a tougher opponent since 2025, and any side facing them must triple their efforts to stand any chance of beating them. The Fennec Foxes fought impressively and won 1-0 with a minute left in the extra time, with the substitute Adil Boulbina scoring probably the best goal of the tournament. The 22-year-old fired the ball from a mid-range after deceiving Wan Bissaka, which went into the top of the net. The celebrations from the Algerian bench and the fans exhibited how united they are in their bid to win their third trophy. Algeria, alongside Nigeria are the only team to have won all games with the Fennec Foxes yet to concede a goal from open play in the four games played.
5. Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions have exceeded expectations, unquestionably. Cameroon looked well disorganised ahead of the tournament, but are looking very dangerous after winning all games with the exception of the 1-1 draw against the Ivory Coast. Tchamadeu and Koffane’s goals in either half condemned South Africa to a 2-1 defeat to help them qualify for the quarter-finals. The young Cameroonian side is playing with much confidence and belief under David Pagou, who deserves massive credit for the wonderful organisation in just over a month of replacing Marc Brys. Samuel Eto’o looked the happiest man on earth when the referee whistled for the end of the game against South Africa. The five-time winners have nothing to lose now and can enjoy their underdog status by enjoying themselves in Morocco.
6. Morocco
Brahim Diaz is the apple of every Moroccan’s eye now. He is the darling boy of the Atlas Lions. Unquestionably, Diaz has been the best player at the FACON 2025 after scoring four good goals to drive the under-pressure Morocco to the quarter finals. Expectations are all time high on the host nation, and Walid Regragui’s side can not afford to fail. After being threatened twice by Mali and Tanzania, Morocco now have different mentality and now feel to humble themselves and lower their expectations. Ayoub El Kaabi’s partnership with Diaz is blossoming. Achraf Hakimi’s return has boosted the morale of the team and the nation in toto. Morocco did not repeat the performance against Zambia when they faced Tanzania, hence putting them in 6th position in the rankings. They have retrogressed from third to sixth.
7. Egypt
Benin pushed Egypt to the wall. Gernort Rohr’s side showed immense physicality against the North Africans, with all the 50-50 balls won by Benin. Egypt are fancying their chances to end their 16-year wait for the coveted AFCON trophy. Mohamed Salah scored his first goal of the competition with a delightful outside-of-the-foot shot to seal a hard-fought 3-1 win over Benin. The Egyptians looked lost in the second half against Benin, but quickly regained control in the extra time because of their individual brilliance. They now sit 7th on the rankings list because their performance against Benin was indifferent.
8. Mali
Mali have failed to record a single victory in the four games played. With four draws, Tom Saintfiet boldly revealed that Mali can win the tournament without winning a single game. His words were full of courage, and such mentalities are what teams need to lift trophies. Mali’s inconsistencies are so unbelievable – the Eagles played extremely well against Zambia, but failed to finish with a win, allowing Zambia to equalise so late in the game. Mali showed how to face Morocco by being fearless in their second game of the group. The performance in the final game against Comoros was unacceptable. Having played nearly 100 minutes with 10 men in the round of 16 against Tunisia, you’ll never know what Mali will bring on board on any day. Underrate them at your own peril. They remain at the bottom of the power rankings, but they can hurt anyone.
