 |
| SUPER EAGLES OF NIGERIA |
The 2013 African champions slipped 14 places downward from the 43rd spot globally in June to be now ranked 57th. Eagles also recorded three steps backwards from the 7th spot of last month to 10th place in the continent.
The crashing of Nigeria in the rankings of the world football governing body, FIFA, exemplifies the rot that has set into the standard of the beautiful game in the country.
The sacking of Stephen Keshi recently as head coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appear to be one of the palliatives to shore up the dwindling fortunes of the team.
Nigeria in the past years has not gone below the top 50 globally, which should be a big concern for incoming coach Sunday Oliseh.
The Super Eagles defeated Chad 2-0 on June 13 in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played in Kaduna, a result that may have no effect in FIFA’s requirement for ranking.
Algeria kept fate with the top spot in Africa, and so was Ivory Coast in the second place. However, Ghana displaced Tunisia to the 3rd spot, leaving Senegal, Cameroun, Congo, Cape Verde and Egypt to complete the top nine spots.
Globally, Argentina assumed the apex position for the first time in seven years despite being beaten via penalty shootout by Chile in the Copa America final.
The Lionel Messi led side displaced Germany, who now occupies the 2nd spot, with Belgium moving one step down to 3rd.
Colombia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Portugal, Romania, England and Wales made the top ten in the world.
