A new wave of controversy has been stirred by the latest FIFA monthly rankings, which place Nigeria 44th in the world and fourth in Africa, as many pundits and fans believe the Super Eagles deserve a higher spot.
Football followers believe the Eagles’ qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations with a match to spare was not reflected by FIFA, as they drop by a spot in the continent and remain static on the world ratings.
Against all expectations that Nigeria would move much higher than the previous month’s third position placement in Africa, the Eagles dropped by a step on the continent, but remain non-movers on the global level.
This is despite the fact that Nigeria got a point against South Africa in Johannesburg to book a place at the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon, which will be their return to the competition since missing two past editions.
Nigeria, though, appear to have been scuttled by a 1-1 draw away to South Africa in the AFCON qualifiers and goalless finish in a friendly at home to Uganda within the month in review.
The Eagles got 1,427 points, but fell well below Senegal, who now take number one spot in Africa, after moving two steps up to 23 in the world, but the continent’s previous top nation, Tunisia fall four slots to 26th.
Morocco moved seven places in the world to occupy number 40, a position that saw them return to the top three on Africa, with fourth placed Nigeria (44th) ahead of Democratic Republic of Congo (49th).
The three-time African champions also fell to fourth spot, from third in October, as they lie behind Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco who are 23rd, 26th and 40th in the world respectively.
Congo DR are fifth, while Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Burkina Faso and Mali make up the top 10 African countries.
Overall, Belgium retain their spot at the top of the world; followed by France, Brazil, Croatia, and England who complete the top five nations.
