The Super Eagles’ winning streak throughout the first round of the recent AFCON qualifiers did not reflect in the latest FIFA rankings.
The Super Eagles are currently placed fourth in Africa and 31st overall according to FIFA’s June rankings, which were revealed yesterday.
Behind top-ranked Senegal and second-placed Morocco, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions were previously ranked 30th internationally and third in Africa.
However, the Super Eagles fell a spot to make room for Tunisia, whose Carthage Eagles are currently ranked 30th globally and third in Africa. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon round out the top five teams in Africa.
The Peseiro-trained team could not move up to elevate its position, despite Nigeria’s victories in the final two competitive games.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign got off to a winning start in Abuja as the Nigerian boys overcame Sierra Leone 2-1.
Four days later, the Jose Peseiro-led team defeated Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 in Morocco thanks in large part to four goals from Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
However, it seemed as though Nigeria’s last two international friendlies had an impact on the position of the national team.
The three-time Afcon champions suffered defeats in the United States to Mexico (2-1) and Ecuador (1-0).
After ousting Belgium in March, former world champions Brazil kept the top spot in the standings.
The top five are Belgium, Argentina, France, and England.