Nigeria rises in latest FIFA ranking

Nigeria rose up six spots to 61st place in the FIFA rankings released on Thursday, though they are still ranked number 12 in Africa.

The Super Eagles were ranked 67 in May, but victories in their international friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg last month ensured they amassed 559 points to move up.

In Africa, they are placed behind Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Congo DR, Guinea, Cameroon and Congo.

Algeria moved one place up to number 32 in the world, while reigning African kings Cote d’Ivoire is now number 36.

Argentina and Belgium held firm to the first and second spots in the world while Austria returned to the top ten with UEFA Euro hosts France moving up four places to 17th in the world.

Slovakia and Madagascar were top movers. The Europeans climbed eight steps to the 24th place, while the Africans rose 29 places into the top 108.

The next world ranking will be published on July 14 2016, as speculations have it that Nigeria may rank higher again.