The Nigeria National Male Team, the Super Eagles have now dropped five places in the latest FIFA World rankings published by FIFA on Thursday.
Super Eagles shock 1-0 defeat at home to Guinea-Bissau, ranked 184th, in an Africa Cup Of Nations qualifier hammered Nigeria’s ranking position despite avenging their defeat by the same scoreline in Bissau three days later.
Nigeria was formerly ranked 35th in the world in December 2022 with the Super Eagles finishing the year in 35th position after losing one step., but in the new rankings published, the Jose Peseiro-led side is now ranked 40th in the world and 6th best team in Africa.
The new ranking system adopted by FIFA named “SUM” relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given period as in the previous version of the World Ranking.
In Africa, Morocco takes the top spot with Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt occupying the top five. World Cup winner, Argentina is ranked top of the world followed by France, Brazil, Belgium, England, Netherlands, Croatia, Italy, Portugal and Spain, making the top 10. Morocco is ranked 11th in the world.
However, Jose Peseiro’s side is currently the 6th best team in Africa, while Morocco is number one in Africa and now the 11th-best team in the world.
The Eagles’ highest ranking ever was fifth place in 1994, when they won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and reached the round of 16 of the World Cup in their debut appearance.