The Super Eagles have been adjudged to have rated in 29th position among all 32 teams the 2018 World Cup in Russia, after the first phase of group games.
This verdict comes from British newspaper, Daily Telegraph, which rated Nigeria to have done only better than Saudi Arabia.
This is because Nigeria fell 2-0 to Croatia, while Saudi Arabia lost the opening game of the competition 5-0 to host country Russia and debutants Panama lost 3-0 to Belgium.
Spain and Portugal, who played out a completely enthralling 3-3 draw are first and second while Mexico, which defeated reigning champions Germany were rated third.
Brazil, who were held by Switzerland and England, late 2-1 winner over Tunisia round up the top five in the ratings.
Nigeria will play their second game on Friday against Iceland at Arena, but nothing short of victory would keep alive the Eagles’ hopes of staying in the competition.
The verdict read in part: “A horrible performance from a group of players who didn’t seem to grasp quite how important their opening game at the World Cup was.
“Whether the manager’s fault or those in green shirts, there was no urgency, no great surge to try and rescue a point, an isolated striker and full-backs who weren’t allowed to get forward. Nigeria should be so much better than this.”
