The Super Eagles’ early qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations has not been reflected in the monthly soccer rankings by FIFA, as Nigeria remains static on the world ratings, but climb a rung to fourth in Africa.
Against all expectations that Nigeria would move much higher than the previous month’s fifth position placement in Africa, the Eagles fall by a step on the continent, but remain non-movers on the global level.
Sports247.ng reports that, despite sealing their place at the Africa Cup of Nations with a match to spare, the Eagles failed to gain ground in the eyes of world football governing body, FIFA.
Nigeria picked up a valuable point against South Africa in Johannesburg to book a place in the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon, which will be their first appearance in the competition since missing the last two 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).
Nonetheless, the three-time African champions moved to the fourth spot, having been ranked fifth in October 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.
