Nigeria’s Super Eagles soared to their highest FIFA ranking in 11 years after the world governing body released the first ranking for 2024.
The Nigerians, silver medalist at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations which ended Sunday in Cote d’Ivoire, moved 14 places up from their 42nd ranking last year to 28 in the latest ranking.
The last time the Super Eagles was ranked as high as 28 was in February 2013 when the team moved 22 places up to 28 following their third AFCON title win in South
Africa.
The Super Eagles also moved from sixth to third in Africa behind Morocco and Senegal who both exited AFCON 2023 at the first knockout round.
Côte d’Ivoire reap the rewards of their continental triumph on home soil, secured following an eventful tournament campaign to move 10 places up to 39th in
the world and fifth in Africa.
Angola are however the biggest climber despite exiting AFCON 2023 at the quarterfinal stage following their 1-0 loss to Nigeria. The Palancas Negras moved from 93rd to 24th in the world and 20th in Africa.
Other impressive performers are Equatorial Guinea (79th, up 9), South Africa (58th, up 8), Cabo Verde (65th, up 8), Namibia (107th, up 8) and Mali (47th, up
4).