The Latest FIFA Ranking Released, Nigeria Still Fourth

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The latest FIFA Ranking has Spain, Germany, and Argentina all retain their first, second and third positions, respectively. The Super Eagles of Nigeria retained their fourth position in Africa, but dropped by one point to 31 in the world. The draw against Kenya in Calabar caused Nigeria the deficit as the Super Eagles’ 775 points, as at previous ranking was reduced by 18 points (757 Points at present.)
Ivory Coast are the highest- placed African side, in 12th, followed by Ghana, 22 and Mali, 26. Both Ghana and Mali had dropped by two places each from their previous rankings.
Croatia moved up five places after the recent victories over Serbia and Wales to occupy the fourth position while Portugal moved up two places to fifth and Colombia remained sixth. England and Italy each dropped three places, and now sit seventh and eight respectively.
Netherlands move down one place, and are now ninth, while Ecuador move ahead of Russia as they make the top ten for the first time.
Greece dropped by one place to rank 13th in the world, while Mexico climbed by one place to occupy 14th. Belgium move up three places to 16th as France drop to 18th, one ahead of World Cup 2014 hosts Brazil, whose position has been hindered by lack of competitive football.
United States jumped five places to 28th, one ahead of top Asian team Japan (29th,) Norway moved down one place to occupy Nigeria’s previous ranking 30th.
Malawi move up by two places to 109th, while Kenya, Nigeria’s next opponent in the World Cup qualifiers, move up by four places to 122nd in the world.
The FIFA World Ranking is based on a four- year cycle, taking into account results, status of matches, the strength of the opposition and the strength of football in the region.