Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s World Cup has been rewarded, after moving up three places in the latest ranking released on Monday.
Nigeria dropped six places when the last ranking was released, last month, from 38th in the world to 44th, despite their incredible 4-0 defeat of rivals, Cameroon, in a decisive World Cup qualifier.
But they are now ranked 41st in the world, up from last month’s 44, after they defeated Zambia 1-0 early this month to book a place in Russia.
However, Nigeria retained her fifth position in Africa, behind the likes of Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal and Congo DR.
Elsewhere, World Champions, Germany retained their position as the number one ranked nation, while South America nation, Peru, climbed into the top ten for the very first time, after booking a place in the playoff in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Peru are joined by 2010 World cup winners, Spain, who moved from 11th to 8th following an unbeaten end to their qualifying campaign.
Austria, Czech Republic, Morocco and Panama all made positive moves, as all four broke into the top 50. In terms of countries that achieved their highest ever ranking, Peru leads the way, and are joined by Palestine (84, up 7), Luxembourg (93, up 8), Comoros (127, up 14) and Chinese Taipei (143, up 8).
Full list of the top ten ranked nations in Africa
1. Tunisia
2. Egypt
3. Senegal
4. Congo DR
5. Nigeria
6. Cameroon
7. Morocco
8. Ghana
9. Burkina Faso
10. Cote d’Ivoire
List of top ten ranked nations in the world
1. Germany
2. Brazil
3. Portugal
4. Argentina
5. Belgium
6. Poland
7. France
8. Spain
9. Chile
10. Peru
The next ranking will be released on November 26.
