World’s football governing body, FIFA, yesterday released its ranking for June, with the Super Eagles now rated fourth on the continent and 31st globally, meaning the three-time African champions dropped by one step both in the continent and at the world stage.
Nigeria’s perfect win record in the opening stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers did not push Super Eagles up the global ranking.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions were previously ranked 30th globally and third in Africa, behind only top-ranking Senegal and second-place Morocco.
But the Super Eagles dropped a step down to make room for Tunisia, as the Carthage Eagles are now 30th in the world and third on the continent. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions complete the top five ranking teams in Africa.
Surprisingly, Nigeria’s victories in their last two competitive matches failed to boost their status.
The Super Eagles defeated Sierra Leone 2-1 in Abuja to kick off the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on a winning note.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen then scored four to power the Jose Peseiro-led team to a historic 10-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe in Morocco four days later.
Nigeria’s recent two international friendly matches, however, appeared to have affected the national team’s standing.
The three-time AFCON champions lost to both Mexico and Ecuador, 2-1 and 1-0 respectively in the United States.
Elsewhere, former world champions Brazil retain their place at the top of the standings, having replaced Belgium in March.
Belgium, Argentina, France, and England make up the top five.
