By Victor Kanayo
World football governing body, FIFA, has released the final ranking positions for African teams few weeks to the kick-off of 2023 Nations Cup in Cote d’ivoire.
According to the rankings, Nigeria will head to the continental soccer competition as number six country.
The outcome of the nation’s Super Eagles placement means that they have remained on same position as in November, 2023.
However, the Nigerian side are ranked 42nd in the world with 1474.44 points.
AFCON/World Cup Qualifier Rivals’ Positions
Nigeria’s rivals in the race for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, namely: South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho, are ranked 66th, 97th, 124th, 133rd and 148th respectively.
The Super Eagles failed to secure victory in the two World Cup qualifiers played in November against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Morocco remained the best-ranked African team placed 13th in the World ahead of the Teranga Lions of Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt.
Cameroon, Cote d’ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso complete the top 10 pack in Africa.
Global Top Sides
Meanwhile, Argentina are still on top of the world, a position the country attained and retained after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
France and England occupy second and third positions respectively.
The next FIFA Men’s World Ranking will be published on February 15, 2024, few days after upcoming AFCON.
