By Nurudeen Obalola
The Super Eagles of Nigeria did not move up or down from their previous position in the latest global FIFA ranking released on Thursday.
Despite beating Benin Republic and drawing with Rwanda in their two matches of the last international window, Nigeria have kept their 39th position from the last ranking in July.
The Super Eagles had a slight adjustment in their ranking points, though, dropping from 1,499 to 1,498.
They are, however, out of Africa’s top five spots, their place taken by Tunisia, who rose from 41st in the world to 36th, after improving their points tally from 1,494 to 1,504.
The Super Eagles are now sixth in Africa, with the top five being Morocco (14th in the world), Senegal (21st), Egypt (31st), Cote d’Ivoire (33rd) and Tunisia (36th).
Nigeria’s next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opponents Libya, whom they face in a double header in October, slipped in the ranking, both globally and in Africa.
The North African side, who drew with Rwanda and lost to Benin Republic last time out, fell from 117th to 121st in the world, their points dropping from 1,166 to 1,154 in the process.
On the continent, Libya slipped from 29th to 33rd.
Globally, Argentina remain on top of the world, followed by France, Spain, England and Brazil.
Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Colombia and Italy complete an unchanged top 10.
According to FIFA, no fewer than 184 international matches – which involved teams from all six confederations – took place across the first week and a half of September.
