Despite putting up a fine performance by going through the World Cup qualifiers unbeaten and thrashing perennial rivals Argentina, the Super Eagles dropped 9 places in the latest FIFA ranking released today to become 50th in the world and 9th in Africa.
Nigerians will have expected the Super Eagles to have a better ranking as against the 41st it got the last time it was released but that was not the case.
Countries like Congo DR, Burkina Faso, and even Cameroon that have not looked anything like African Champions since their Continental triumph still ranks above the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Although the ranking will have no impact on the World Cup group stage draw billed for December 1st, countries will use this for bragging rights and see this as a morale booster heading into their next international assignment.
According to the ranking, the top 5 teams in Africa are; Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, Congo DR, Morrocco, which makes Nigeria the only qualified team, not in the top 5 of Africa.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 21 December 2017. Below is a list of the 10 best teams in Africa and world according to the release.
TOP 10 teams in Africa are Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, Congo DR, Morrocco, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana.
TOP 10 teams in the world are Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Switzerland, France, Chile.