THE Super Eagles of Nigeria have slipped in the latest FIFA ranking released by the world football governing body today.
The three-time African champions are now 30th in the world, down from the 28th position they occupied in February.
Nigeria had reached a five-year high of 28th on the back of advancing to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in February but dropped two spots and lost two ranking points (1522 to 1520) after a victory over Ghana and defeat to Mali in friendlies in March.
The Super Eagles however retain the third position in Africa, behind Morocco (13th in the world) and Senegal (17th in the world), and ahead of Egypt (37th in the world) and AFCON winners Cote d’Ivoire (38th in the world).
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying group opponents South Africa, Rwanda, Benin Republic, Zimbabwe and Lesotho are all lower ranked than the Super Eagles.
South Africa slipped one spot in the world from 58th to 59th and are 10th in Africa, while Rwanda rose two places to 131st in the world (40th in Africa).
Benin Republic are up one spot in the world to 97th and are 21st in Africa, with Zimbabwe 122nd in the world (up two spots) and 33rd in Africa.
Lesotho, the lowest-ranked team in the group, are 149th in the world (down one place) and 45th in Africa.
Globally, world champions Argentina remain in the top spot, followed by France, Belgium, England and Brazil.
