FIFA rankings: Nigeria move up

Nigeria continued their impressive rise in football after climbing to 60th in the latest FIFA Rankings, which were released by the world football body on Thursday.

Three-time African champions  moved up four spots in the rankings from 64 to 60, while their 2018 World Cup qualifying opponents Algeria and  Cameroon retained their previous spots. The other team in their group, Zambia, failed to progress in  the rankings.

The Super Eagles are also ranked 11th in Africa, after their 1-0 victory at home against Tanzania in September in an inconsequential Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier was followed by a 2-1 victory over Zambia in their opening Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Ndola on October 9.

African champions Ivory Coast  are first on the continent followed by Senegal.

 Algeria, who the Eagles will host in Uyo in next month’s second Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier, remain 35th in the world. They played a 1-1 draw with Cameroon in their first World Cup qualifier at home. The Algerians also remain third in Africa.

The Cameroonians also retained their 59th position, which they held in September, to remain in the top 10 teams on the continent. Zambia however dropped two places from 92nd to 94th in the latest ranking.

Ivory Coast moved up three places to be ranked 31st in the world while Senegal climbed seven spots from 39th to 32nd in the world. Tunisia, who are fourth in Africa, went up four places from 42nd to 38th while Ghana dropped two places from 43rd to 45th. Egypt, DR Congo, Congo and Mali complete the top nine teams in Africa.

Argentina maintained their number one position  while Germany replaced Belgium as the second best team in the world. Brazil are now third while the Belgians have dropped to the fourth position on the ranking table. Colombia, Chile, France, Portugal, Uruguay and Spain complete the top 10 in the world.