By Monica Iheakam
Super Eagles of Nigeria have continued to make steady progress in the FIFA monthly ranking as they are now ranked fifth in Africa and 40th in the World.
According to the latest ranking released on Thursday, Nigeria moved two places from seventh to fifth in Africa and one place from 41st to 40th in the world ranking
Eagles played out a 1-1 draw with Senegal last month and were to take on Burkina Faso after that but the game was cancelled due to visa issues that affected the Etalons.
Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup group opponents Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia did not do well in the latest rankings.
Senegal were ranked second most in-form team in Africa after their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, despite their quarter-final defeat to eventually winners Cameroon, Aliou Cisse’s men however dropped two places globally, while retaining the second spot in Africa in the March rankings.
Meanwhile, Brazil capped off a fine fortnight of football as they moved to the top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, reclaiming their seat at the top of the podium after a seven-year hiatus.
Not since elimination from 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa at the hands of the Netherlands – being usurped in the table by eventual champions Spain and the Oranje – have A Seleção (plus 1) held the No1 position. However, recent wins over Uruguay and Paraguay in booking their place at Russia 2018 secured their return to top spot.
Argentina are in second position, world champions Germany are third. Copa America holders Chile are in fourth spot, Colombia occupy the fifth position, France are in sixth, Belgium seventh, European champions Portugal are eighth, Swizerland ninth and Spain 10th.