FULL LIST: Nigeria Ranked Third Strongest Military In Africa

Nigeria has been ranked as the third most powerful military in Africa, according to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index, as reported by PUNCH Online on Monday.

The Global Firepower Index evaluates 145 countries based on more than 60 criteria, including the size of armed forces, equipment strength, financial resources, logistical infrastructure, and geographic factors.

In the latest rankings, Egypt retains its position as Africa’s leading military power, followed by Algeria in second place. Nigeria’s climb to third place reflects significant improvements in its military strength, attributed to increased investment in personnel, equipment modernization, and counter-terrorism operations. South Africa now ranks fourth on the continent.

Below is the list of African countries featured in the 2025 Global Firepower Index, along with their global rankings:

1. Egypt (19th globally)

2. Algeria (26th)

3. Nigeria (31st)

4. South Africa (40th)

5. Ethiopia (52nd)

6. Angola (56th)

7. Morocco (59th)

8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (66th)

9. Sudan (73rd)

10. Libya (76th)

11. Kenya (83rd)

12. Chad (84th)

13. Mozambique (89th)

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14. Tunisia (90th)

15. Tanzania (92nd)

16. Cameroon (93rd)

17. Mali (104th)

18. Zambia (109th)

19. Ghana (110th)

20. Zimbabwe (111th)

21. South Sudan (113th)

22. Uganda (114th)

23. Namibia (116th)

24. Niger (119th)

25. Eritrea (120th)

26. Republic of the Congo (121st)

27. Botswana (122nd)

28. Mauritania (123rd)

29. Senegal (125th)