The Super Eagles are now 14 places higher in the latest FIFA ranking following a great showing at the just-concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria lost to Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the competition concluded last weekend and have deservedly climbed up the FIFA ladder after that impeccable showing.
“Indeed, across the two continents, no fewer than six teams have scaled ten places or more. Amongst the African sides, Côte d’Ivoire (39th, up 10) reap the rewards of their continental triumph on home soil, secured following an eventful tournament campaign,” FIFA wrote on its website while announcing the latest ranking.
“Beaten finalists Nigeria (28th, up 14) make significant strides but are no match for the Angola side they ousted in the last eight (93rd, up 24), who are the biggest climbers in the latest instalment of the global ranking.”
The latest move makes the Super Eagles Africa’s number three team only behind Morocco (who are 12th) and Senegal, who are ranked 17th.
Nigeria displaced Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, who had a poor outing at the AFCON, to make Africa’s top three.
Meanwhile, Argentina maintained the top spot on the global scene and are followed by France and England.
Belgium, Brazil, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Croatia in that order, complete the top 10 best teams in the world.
