Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-16 04:20:08
Nigeria’s impressive showing in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire has led to a significant rise in its global FIFA ranking. Following their second-place finish, the Super Eagles have moved up to the 28th position in the world, a jump of 14 places from their previous ranking of 42nd.
Prior to the tournament, Nigeria was not considered one of the top 30 teams in the world, marking the first time in over three years that they have attained such a position. Their success at the Africa Cup of Nations, which included seven games resulting in five wins, one draw, and one loss, has propelled them into the spotlight.
With this rise in the rankings, Nigeria now stands as the third-best team in Africa, a significant improvement from their previous sixth-place standing. Morocco continues to maintain its position as the top African team, ranked 12th globally, while Senegal has moved up to 17th place, making them the second-best team on the continent.
In addition to Nigeria, other countries have also seen improvements in their FIFA rankings due to their impressive performances in the tournament. These countries include Equatorial Guinea (79th), South Africa (58th), Cape Verde (65th), Namibia (107th), and Mali (47th).
The top 10 global rankings by FIFA remain relatively unchanged, with Argentina holding onto the number one spot, followed by France, England, Belgium, Brazil, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Uruguay. It is worth noting that with Nigeria’s new ranking, they are now ahead of countries such as Egypt, Ghana, and Tunisia.
The rise in Nigeria’s ranking is a testament to the hard work and talent of the Super Eagles and their coaching staff. It reflects their ability to compete at an international level and their potential to continue to succeed on the global stage.
This achievement is not only a cause for celebration among football fans in Nigeria but also serves as a source of inspiration for the team to continue striving for excellence. It has also drawn attention to the potential for further growth and development of football in Nigeria, creating more opportunities for young talent in the sport.
The rise in FIFA rankings for Nigeria is a positive development that has sparked excitement and hope for further success in the future. It signifies a bright future for Nigerian football and reinforces the country’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.
