Super Eagles move three steps to 36th in FIFA ranking
Despite their inability to play in the last round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series following CAF’s decision to call off their game against Libya, the Super Eagles have moved up three places in the latest FIFA rankings. In the October World ranking released, yesterday, by FIFA, the team moved to the 36th position from the previous 39th, gaining 1,503.29 points within the period under review. The Super Eagles defeated Libya 1-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, on October 11, but the return leg of the tie scheduled for Benghazi, Libya on October 15 was called off following the Libyans’ alleged ill-treatment of the Nigerian delegation two days before the game. African football governing body, CAF is expected to rule on the botched game this week. Nigeria’s new FIFA ranking also reflects on the Super Eagles’ position in Africa, as they are now the fourth-best team in the continent, up from last month’s sixth position. Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt are the three leading teams in that order. Argentina, France (second), and Spain (third) are still the leading teams in the world, followed by England (fourth), Brazil (fifth) and Belgium (sixth).
