Super Eagles move up in FIFA rankings

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has moved two spots from 60 to 58 in the latest FIFA rankings released yesterday by the World football governing body. Nigeria has also moved into the top 10 ranked sides in Africa. During the past month, Nigeria recorded a lone goal victory over Namibia and a goalless draw against Malawi both in 2014 World Cup qualifying games.


Then the Eagles defeated Rwanda 2-0 in the Africa Nations Cup qualifier to book a place in the draws for the 2013 editions today. Ivory Coast still remains the number one ranked team in Africa and 16 in the world. Followed by Ghana which is 33rd in the world.


Spain which won their third consecutive international title in the just concluded European championship maintained their first position while finalists Italy moved six places from 12 to six. Semi-finalists Portugal also moved five places from 10 to fifth position while the other semi finalists Germany are now second.



Despite England's disappointing Euros they moved two places from sixth to fourth while Holland which exited at the first round in the Euros without a single point slipped down four places from fourth to eight. Brazil is in the lowest position since the inception of the FIFA rankings as they are 11 down and out of the first 10 for the first time.


A total of 133 international 'A' matches have been played in recent weeks, made up of 31 EURO 2012 matches, 60 qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazilâ„¢, 15 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and 27 friendlies.


Africa's top 15


1 Cote D'Ivoire (16)


2 Ghana (33)


3 Algeria (35)


4 Libya (39)


5 Mali (40)


6 Zambia (41)


7 Egypt (42)


8 Tunisia (43)


9 Gabon (45)


10 Nigeria (58)

Leadership