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By Johnny Edward.
With FIFA set to announce the men’s national team rankings for the month of April on Thursday (today), the Super Eagles look set for a massive drop, PUNCH Sports Extra reports has exclusively learnt.
FIFA last announced the ranking for men on December 22, 2022 with the Eagles finishing the year in 35th position after losing one step.
The new version (of ranking) developed by FIFA named “SUM” relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the World Ranking.
The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the rankings should fare better against teams lower in the rankings.
These wins and matches will have an impact on the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Teams like Hungary, Czech, Algeria and Scotland, who are beneath Nigeria, look set to rise in the rankings as they all recorded two wins during the international break in March, will have an impact on the latest FIFA World Rankings and boost their positions, according to the new version developed by FIFA.
Scotland, ranked 42nd in the world, recorded one of the biggest upsets last month when they defeated Spain (ranked 10th) 2-0 in a Group A European qualifier. The win preserves Scotland’s perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying, as they went top of Group A with two wins out of two. Prior to that win, the Scots had defeated Cyprus 3-0 in their opening group fixture.
Hungary, who are one step behind Nigeria in 36th position, also defeated Estonia and Bulgaria 1-0 and 3-0 respectively. The Hungarian side have a point difference of 1.13 compared to Nigeria’s -4.15.
Algeria, placed 40th in the last rankings, are expected to move up following their back-to-back wins over Niger. The Fennecs defeated their Nigeriens 1-0 and 2-1 respectively.
Nigeria’s shock 1-0 defeat at home to Guinea-Bissau, ranked 184th, in an Africa Cup Of Nations qualifier will definitely affect their position despite redeeming their image by avenging their defeat by the same scoreline in Bissau three days later.
The other teams’ winning streak is expected to see them leapfrog Nigeria.
The Eagles highest ranking ever was fifth place in 1994, when they won the AFCON title and reached the round of 16 of the World Cup in their debut appearance. Their lowest ranking, however, is 82.