The Super Eagles of Nigeria have slipped to 45th in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday following their disappointing performance in the 1-1 draw against South Africa.
The Eric Chelle-led side struggled to impress in the World Cup qualifiers clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein after beating Rwanda 1-0 in their previous game.
According to the rankings released on FIFA’s website on Thursday, Nigeria slumped to 45th in the rankings after it also went from 43rd to 44th in the last rankings released in July.
In Africa, the Super Eagles are now sixth, behind Morocco (1st), Senegal (2nd), Egypt (3rd), Algeria (4th) and Côte d’Ivoire (5th).
Nigeria’s opponents in the next FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Lesotho, dropped to 153, while the Benin Republic moved up to 93rd place.
South Africa moved up to 55th after earning four points from two matches against Lesotho and Nigeria in the qualifiers earlier this month.
Morocco and Senegal are the highest-ranked African teams, with the Atlas Lions moving from 12th to 11th, while the Teranga Lions held on to 18th place to maintain their positions in the top 20.
Spain is now top of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking after World Cup winners Argentina dropped two places.
France occupies the second position, while Argentina sits third after dropping two spots, with England, unmoved in fourth, and Portugal, the new entrant after overtaking Brazil to complete the top five.
Meanwhile, Germany has dropped three places down to 12th, with Croatia, Italy, and Morocco moving further ahead.
Slovakia are the biggest mover, climbing 10 places.
The Super Eagles will be presented with the chance to move up in the rankings when they take on Lesotho and the Benin Republic in October.
