The Super Eagles of Nigeria. Photo: NEXT

Nigeria slips in FIFA ranking

By Tunde Eludini with Agency Reports

July 2, 2009 09:31AM

The Super Eagles of Nigeria slipped four places down from 30th to the 34th position in the latest FIFA ranking released on Wednesday.

The ranking put the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire tops in Africa in 18th position while Cameroun is second and the Azingo Stars of Gabon third on the continent. The Super Eagles are placed fourth.

A run down through the table shows that Confederation Cup champions, Brazil have regained the top spot in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, thus relegating European champions Spain to second place.

The South Americans last topped the ranking in August 2007, a position which they have climbed six times in the history of the ranking.

The Netherlands dropped one step to third position, while Italy maintained her fourth position, Germany are now ranked fifth after dropping two places.

Other teams in the top ten positions are Russia (6th, up 3), England (7th, down 1) and Argentina (8th, down 1), France and Croatia.

Of the other countries that took part in the FIFA Confederation Cup South Africa 2009 finalists, the USA (12th, up 2), Egypt (38th, up 2) and hosts South Africa (70th, up 2) have also progressed up the ranking.

Egypt’s improved position despite their early exit from the tournament is due to their 1-0 victory over world champions Italy, which scored very highly in terms of ranking points.

Meanwhile, disappointing performances by Iraq (94th, down 17) and New Zealand (100th, down 18) caused them to lose ground.

In other places, Algeria (47th, up 19) and Tunisia (49th, up 2) have climbed into the top 50 at the expense of Burkina Faso (51st, down 1) and Finland (52nd, down 3).

Furthermore, the following teams have achieved their best position since the ranking was introduced in 1993:

Australia (16th, up 13), Gabon (30th, up 18), Grenada (88th, up 14), Montenegro (98th, up 12) and Antigua and Barbuda (105th, up 9).

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Reader Comments (11)

Posted by Herve on Jul 02 2009

lol! "Azingo Stars of Gabon" that is the old name. In fact, that was some looser's name!! The new name is "Pantheres du Gabon".lol!

Posted by Igwe Joe on Jul 02 2009

What is the secret of ranking Gabon above Nigeria in Africa? Something must be wrong somewhere

Posted by Emma on Jul 02 2009

Having watched super eagles matches in recent time, one is convince that there are lot of improvements. For Nigeria to beat France in their own soil, drew Ireland, beat Mobque, and drew Tunisia, one would not no the parameter fifa adopted but above all i think the ranking is unfair.

Posted by Eteng Socrates on Jul 02 2009

Gabon has had a perfect run in the 2010 World Cup and Nations Cup qualifying race. Nigeria's slump could be linked to their poor form given that Eagles have scooped only four points from their last two World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Tunisia. In fact, the decline was due to the fact that the likes of Ivory Coast and Gabon were impressive in their games, where they have managed to win all their three matches. So it is not really a suprise. Forget the past glory of super eagles. If nothing is done to improve their game, this will surely continue.

Posted by Eteng Socrates on Jul 02 2009

Gabon's new position is courtesy of a perfect run in the 2010 World Cup and Nations Cup qualifying race. Nigeria's slump could be linked to their poor form given that Eagles have scooped only four points from their last two World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Tunisia. In fact, the decline was due to the fact that the likes of Ivory Coast and Gabon were impressive in their games, where they have managed to win all their three matches. Super Eagles of Nigeria is living on its past glory. if nothing is done to improve it's game, more of this decline in ranking will be expected.

Posted by Lukman on Jul 02 2009

I don't think this should be a surprise for every reader..the eagles are bunch of failure and disgrace to this nation of ours...we are yet to secure a world cup qualification for the second time running...i believe we all know who to be blame for that...

Posted by MUJEEB on Jul 07 2009

IT IS VERY UNFORTUNATE FOR NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Posted by Daniel on Jul 08 2009

What is the yardstick? This is very unfair even Cameroon above Nigeria?

Posted by Daniel on Jul 08 2009

What do you mean very unfortunate for Nigerian football? Very unfortunate for World football.

Posted by bode on Jul 11 2009

Is quite pathetic & disgraceful 4 gabon 2 be placed above nigeria in fifa's ranking the nigeria team needs a total overhaul.

Posted by king pablo on Dec 11 2009

Dat's crazy of Fifa, to place cameroun and gabon ahead ofNigeria is stupid.