Nigeria’s domestic top flight, the Nigeria Professional Football League, has slipped 15 places in the latest global league rankings released by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), falling to 91st position after previously occupying 76th place in 2024.

The league accumulated 171.75 points in the 2025 rankings, reflecting a downturn in comparative performance amid growing competition from other football markets worldwide. Analysts attribute the decline largely to inconsistent results by Nigerian clubs in continental tournaments and the rising strength of rival leagues.

IFFHS rankings evaluate domestic competitions based on club performances in continental and international tournaments, applying weighted metrics that extend beyond domestic results. Under this methodology, success in competitions organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other interclub championships significantly influences league standings.

The setback highlights ongoing concerns about the competitiveness of Nigerian clubs on the continental stage. While domestic matches showcase talent and passion, limited impact in international competitions has weakened the league’s global perception and ranking.

Across Africa, Egypt’s top division retained its position as the continent’s strongest league for the sixth consecutive year. Morocco’s Botola Pro continued its consistent presence among Africa’s elite, maintaining a podium finish since 2018. The South African Premiership returned to the top three for the first time in 21 years, while Algeria and Tunisia completed the continent’s top five.

Under CAF’s five-year ranking framework, Nigeria currently occupies 12th place with 21 points, a position that still allows the country to field two representatives in each CAF interclub competition. However, the ranking underscores the need for stronger performances to improve continental standing.

Globally, European leagues dominated the IFFHS rankings, occupying 12 of the top 20 positions and 29 of the top 50. The English Premier League retained its position as the world’s strongest league for the sixth time since rankings were introduced in 1991. It was followed by La Liga, while Campeonato Brasileiro Série A secured third place.

Serie A slipped three places but remained ahead of the Bundesliga. Ligue 1 climbed to sixth, while Primeira Liga held seventh. Liga Profesional de Fútbol dropped two positions but stayed ahead of the Eredivisie, with Categoría Primera A completing the global top ten.

Observers argue that the decline of the Nigerian league reflects structural challenges, including infrastructure deficits, inconsistent club management, and limited international competitiveness. Football analysts maintain that strategic reforms and investment in youth development, facilities, and club governance are essential to reversing the downward trend.

“The league has immense potential,” said one analyst. “But sustained progress requires coordinated efforts to improve performance and competitiveness at both domestic and continental levels.”

As African leagues such as Egypt’s and South Africa’s continue to strengthen their continental influence, pressure mounts on Nigerian football authorities to implement reforms capable of restoring the league’s status and global appeal.