FOOTBALL

FIFA Ranking: Nigeria ahead of Ivory Coast, Haaland’s Norway after biggest move in 11 years

Nigeria has moved 14 places in the latest FIFA Ranking, sitting well ahead of AFCON champions Cote d’Ivoire, and Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are flying high after being officially ranked as the third-best team in Africa in the recently released FIFA World Ranking.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Nigeria leapt 14 places after an impressive outing at the just concluded AFCON 2023.

Nigeria finished runners-up after a painful 2-1 defeat to host nation Cote d’Ivoire in a widely watched final last Sunday. 

But despite the heartbreak, the Jose Peseiro-led young side earned plenty of admirers as they soared through the tournament before missing out narrowly on a fourth title. 

Nigeria’s move from 42nd in the world to 28th is the highest move for the Super Eagles in 11 years, with the team matching the May 9, 2013 position.

The Super Eagles are now ranked behind Morocco, who moved one spot to 12th and Senegal, who are ranked 17th after moving three places.

Elsewhere on the ranking
Nigeria is now ahead of Erling Haaland’s Norway, ranked 46th in the world, and African champions, Cote d’Ivoire, who moved 10 places to 39th. 

Angola rewarded for making it to the AFCON 2023 last 8. – CAF
Meanwhile, there were no changes in the top 10, with AFCON quarterfinalists, Angola, the biggest movers.

The Palancras Negras moved 24 places en route to their new ranking of 94