Rédaction Africa Links 24 with James Agberebi
Published on 2024-02-15 14:11:00
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has experienced a significant move up in the FIFA/Coca-cola men’s world ranking. According to the latest rankings announced on FIFA’s official website on Thursday, the Super Eagles have jumped 14 places from 42nd to 28th. In addition, in the African rankings, the Super Eagles have moved from the sixth position to the third, with Morocco in the top spot and Senegal in second.
Following their victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, the elephants of Cote d’Ivoire have also seen a notable rise in the rankings, moving up 10 spots to 39th. This is the Super Eagles’ highest ranking since 2008, and it is largely attributed to their impressive performance at the AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire.
Throughout the tournament, the Jose Peseiro-led team showed resilience and determination, especially after a shaky start that saw them draw 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea. Despite the initial setback, they managed to reach the final of the competition. However, they were unable to secure a win in the final match, ultimately losing 2-1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
As for the overall top 10 rankings, there have been no changes, with world champions Argentina, France, England, Belgium, and Brazil maintaining their positions as the top five teams. The Netherlands sit at number six, followed by Portugal at number seven, Spain at number eight, Italy at number nine, and Croatia rounding out the top ten.
The next release of the FIFA/Coca-cola ranking is scheduled for April 4th. The recent surge in the Super Eagles’ ranking is a commendable achievement, reflecting their strong performance and determination at the Africa Cup of Nations. This upward move not only demonstrates their progress as a team but also serves as a source of pride for Nigerian football fans. As the Super Eagles continue to excel on the international stage, this latest ranking is a testament to their dedication and skill, and it positions them favorably as they prepare for future competitions.
