The senior national team of Nigeria moved 12 places in the recently released FIFA ranking moving from 36th in the world to 26th, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Their rise is largely due to their performance at the recently concluded AFCON in Morocco, where they finished as third by beating Egypt 4-2 in the losers final on Saturday.
Beyond the semi final defeat to Morocco on penalties, they won six of their seven games at the tournament, including convincing wins over highly ranked Tunisia and Algeria in the group state and quarter final respectively.
In Africa, only Morocco who are 8th in the world and Senegal who are ranked 12th are higher than the Super Eagles. Algeria, and Egypt who were defeated in the third place playoff by Nigeria completes the top 5 in Africa.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman