The Super Eagles lost to the reigning African champions a few days ago, and the impact of that defeat is evident on the latest world rankings
The Super Eagles have dropped out of the world’s top 30 – three places down to 32nd – and out of Africa’s top three on the October FIFA world rankings, just published on the football body’s official website.
Last month, despite not playing a match in almost a year, Gernot Rohr’s men rose to become the 29th best footballing nation globally, their highest position on the FIFA rankings in seven years.
But after playing two international friendly games in October without winning any, the three-time African champions have seen a drop in ratings.
The Super Eagles lost 1-0 to Algeria on October 9 and followed it with an unconvincing 1-1 draw to Tunisia on October 13.
The consequence of those uninspiring results is Nigeria’s points shrinking from 1493 to 1488, allowing Algeria (on 1489 points) to rise five places into joint-30th.
Presently the fourth best-ranked team in Africa, Nigeria now trail Senegal (21st in the world), Tunisia (26th), and Algeria.
Globally, the top five national teams remain unchanged, with none of Belgium, France, Brazil, England, or Portugal shifting ground.
The Super Eagles will get a chance to improve her ranking when the team faces Sierra Leone back-to-back next month in an Afcon qualifier.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 26 November 2020.
This post was last modified on October 22, 2020 10:13 am