Eagles fail to impress FIFA

Nigeria are not rising in the rating of FIFA despite getting four out of a possible six points from a crucial double-header with African champions Cameroon in Uyo and Yaounde respevtively early this month.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently on top of Group B of the African qualifiers of Russia 2018 World Cup.

However, this credential failed to impress FIFA, which on Thursday downgraded Nigeria in their monthly ratings.

In fact, Nigeria tumbled six places and now rate 44th in the world ranking.

Last month, Nigeria were ranked 38th and by beating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 4-0 in Uyo and pulling a 1-1 draw in Yaounde, it was expected the Eagles would soar in rating but the reverse was the case.

Cameroon meanwhile, rate just one level below Nigeria, to stand at world’s 45th.

However, FIFA handed Nigeria’s next opponents in the World Cup qualifier on October 7, Zambia, a boost ahead of the clash as they moved 18 places up (78th in the world) after recording a double against Algeria.

In another surprise, Argentina are fourth in the rankings despite struggling to qualify for the World Cup after drawing their last two games – away to Uruguay and at home to Venezuela.

The ranking also shows Germany thrumping Brazil over to return to the number one position in the world while European champions Portugal climbed three places to go third in the rankings.

The next Fifa rankings will be announced on October 16 and used to determine the seedings in the draw for the four European playoff ties for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia.

Top 10 rankings: (previous positions in brackets) 1. Germany (2) 2. Brazil (1) 3. Portugal (6) 4. Argentina (3) 5. Belgium (9) 6. Poland (5) 7. Switzerland (4) 8. France (10) 9. Chile (7) 10. Colombia (8).