In the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, the global football landscape witnessed significant shifts, with Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, making a remarkable upward leap. Garnering 1,522 points, the team surged ahead from their previous standing of 1,474 points in December 2023.
This propelled them to the third position on the continent, trailing behind powerhouses Morocco and Senegal, who boast 1,663 (12th) and 1,620 (17th) points respectively.
The ascent of the Super Eagles reflects their continued efforts to solidify their position among Africa’s football elite.
Their upward trajectory is a testament to the dedication and skill of the players and coaching staff, as they strive for excellence on the international stage.
Meanwhile, the newly-crowned African champions, Cote d’Ivoire, basked in the glory of their continental triumph on home soil by climbing an impressive 10 spots to claim the 39th position.
Their remarkable achievement in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) resonated in their climb up the rankings, showcasing their prowess and resilience on the field.
Not to be outdone, South Africa, the second runners-up in AFCON, made significant strides by ascending 8 spots to secure the 58th position.
Their performance in the tournament captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide, propelling them to a higher standing in the FIFA rankings.
However, not all African teams experienced an upward trajectory. Egypt (36th), Cameroon (51st), and Ghana (67th) faced setbacks following their early exits from AFCON 2023.
Their disappointing performances in the tournament resulted in a drop in their rankings, underscoring the competitive nature of African football.
Beyond the African continent, the global rankings saw notable movements, with the Angolan side emerging as the biggest climbers.
Despite being ousted in the quarter-finals, Angola’s impressive showing propelled them 24 spots up to claim the 93rd position, showcasing their potential on the international stage.
In the Asian football sphere, two-time Asian Cup winners Qatar made headlines with their remarkable rise in the rankings.
Climbing 21 spots to secure the 37th position, Qatar capitalized on home advantage to successfully defend their continental crown, accumulating the highest tally of points (92.04) in the process.
Additionally, Jordan (70th, up 17) and Thailand (101st, up 12) demonstrated commendable performances, reflecting their determination and resilience in the face of stiff competition.
Qatar’s unprecedented rise in the rankings marks a significant milestone for the team, as they venture into uncharted territory.
Similarly, Senegal (17th, up 3) and Tajikistan (99th, up 7) celebrated historic achievements, attaining their best-ever rankings following their impressive performances in recent tournaments.
As the football world continues to evolve, these rankings serve as a barometer of the sport’s ever-changing landscape, highlighting the triumphs and challenges faced by teams across continents.
With each passing tournament, new stars emerge, and established powers face renewed competition, keeping football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the beautiful game.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
