By Nurudeen Obalola
The Super Eagles have moved up in the latest FIFA ranking despite their boycott of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Libya after maltreatment by the North Africans last week.
The Nigerian team rose three places from 39th in the world to 36th, according to the ranking released on Thursday by the global ruling body.
The three-time African champions also gained five ranking points, going from 1,498 to 1,503.
During the ranking period, based on the last international window, the Super Eagles defeated Libya 1-0 in Uyo on October 11 but were unable to complete the double-header after the players had their plane diverted mid-air and were held up for about 18 hours without food and water at an abandoned airport in the North African country.
Nigeria also climbed in the African ranking, overtaking Tunisia and Cote d’Ivoire to move up to fourth place on the continent, up from the sixth spot they occupied at the last ranking in September.
Morocco, 13th in the world, lead the African teams, followed by Senegal (20th), Egypt (30th), Nigeria and Algeria (37th).
Libya, in contrast, are 34th in Africa and 122nd in the world, down from 33rd on the continent and 134th globally.
Argentina, France, Spain, England, Brazil, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy and Colombia occupy the top 10 spots in the world.
