Nigeria's Super Eagles Drop From 33rd to 36th in FIFA Ranking

Despite being the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions and becoming the first African team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped by three steps from 33rd to 36th in the official FIFA world ranking.

The ranking table on the world football body’s Website on Thursday showed that Nigeria has 710 points, as against the 724 points it had with the last ranking in October.

The latest ranking places Nigeria fourth in Africa, behind Algeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, who have 800, 849 and 918 points, respectively.

Spain maintained the first spot ahead of Germany, Argentina and Colombia who also maintained the second, third and fourth spots respectively.

Meanwhile Stephen Keshi has expressed his shock over Nigeria’s new spot in the FIFA rankings.

“I am shocked (by the latest rankings). We won the Africa Cup of Nations this year, qualified for the World Cup and four-time world champions Italy held us to a draw, so I am surprised,” Keshi said.

However, Keshi said he will continue his work with the Eagles no matter what else happens.

“We should continue to win and make Nigerians proud because that is what is most important to me and Nigerians,” he said.

“If we remain in where ever we are in the ranking and keep winning and Nigerians are happy, then I am happy.”

The African champions were also forced to a 2-2 draw by four-time world champions, in a friendly played at Craven Cottage and it was expected that it would reflect in the rankings.