Nigeria 42 in log, 3rd in Africa
While there were 150 games played across the globe during the international period, things remain tight at the top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as the top three remained unchanged.
According to FIFA website in rankings released Thursday seen by Apex News, Belgium (1st, unchanged) maintain a slender lead – growing it marginally to three points – over 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia winners France (2nd, unchanged). Brazil (3rd, unchanged), however, are looking over their shoulders somewhat as England (4th, up 1) leapfrogged World Cup finalists Croatia (5th, down 1).
Uruguay (6th, up 1) are the only other movers within the top ten, whereas a dramatic win for Germany (13th, up 3) saw them overtake defeated opponents the Netherlands (16th, down 2), as well as Sweden (14th, unchanged) and Chile (15th, down 2).
Israel (84th, up 8) enjoyed the biggest jump of all, followed closely by Guatemala (143rd, up 6) and Tanzania (131st, up 6) after the latter booked their CAF Africa Cup of Nations place.
Two other sides preparing to appear at Africa’s showpiece in June, Congo DR (46th, up 5) and Ghana (49th, up 3), were the only two sides to breach the top 50, while Kosovo (127th, plus 3) continued their steady climb up the World Ranking.
Nigeria moved to 1435 points from 1427 to place 42 in the world and third in Africa. The top African team is Senegal placing 23 in the world followed by Tunisia in the 28th place and 2nd in Africa. Morocco is 4th in Africa and 45th in the World.
