17th October, 2013
Still smarting from last Sunday’s 1-2 victory over the Walya Ibex of Ethiopia in the first leg of the Brazil 2014 World Cup playoffs, the Super Eagles of Nigeria moved up three places in the Coca/Cola FIFA Rankings released Thursday in Zurich, Switzerland.
From their previously placed 36th position they are now rated 33rd in the world, but are now placed fourth on the African continent despite being the reigning African champions.
Ivory Coast are still Africa’s top rated side in 17th position, followed by Ghana in 23rd place, before Algeria and Nigeria. Mali, who occupy the 41st position, make up the Top 5 African sides.
Spain remain the top ranked team in world, but Germany have dislodged Argentina from the 2nd position, pushing the South Americans into 3rd place. Brazil have dropped out of the Top 10 and are now 11th, three places below their former 8th ranking.
Meanwhile, Chief Coach of the Super Eagles has disclosed that he has not shut the door against any player of Nigerian descent provided the player is ready to play for the nation.
The former Hawks of Togo tactician said he is ready to invite any Nigerian player, who features regularly for their respective clubs abroad.
The former Eagles of Mali coach further said that apart from the current form, off the pitch criteria would also be used in inviting players for national duties.
According to him, “there is no player who is bigger than the country, any player that is considered good enough for the national team would be invited, but the player must be of good conduct both on and off the field of play.”