The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has dropped to 91st in the 2025 IFFHS global league rankings, down 15 places from 76th in 2024.
The league scored 171.75 points, slipping outside the world’s top 90. Analysts link the decline to poor performances by Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions and the growing strength of other African leagues.
Africa’s Top 5 Leagues
1. Egypt (Premier League) – continent’s best for 6th straight year
2. Morocco (Botola) – consistent podium since 2018
3. South Africa (Premiership) – back in top 3 after 21 years
4. Algeria
5. Tunisia 
Nigeria ranks 12th in the CAF 5-year club ranking (21 points), keeping two slots in CAF interclub competitions.
Global Top 3
1. English Premier League (6th time #1 since 1991)
2. Spain’s La Liga
3. Brazil’s Série A
Europe dominates with 12 of the top 20 and 29 of the top 50 leagues.
Call for Change
Football analyst Tunde Adeyemi says: “The NPFL has huge potential, but structural reforms, better infrastructure, and improved club performances are urgently needed to reverse this trend.”
With Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa pulling ahead, pressure is on Nigerian football authorities to act.