Super Eagles ended the year 2018 maintaining their 44th position in the latest World Ranking released by FIFA. Belgium, beaten by France in the World Cup semi-finals, edge Didier Deschamps’ team by one ranking point.
Belgium has 1,727 points by FIFA’s calculations to 1,726 for France. Brazil is third on 1,676.
FIFA noted on their website that France, who was ranked No. 9 last Christmas, was the year’s “Best Mover” after a “stellar 2018 having gained more points (165) since December 2017 than any other nation.”
The three-time African champions also retained their fourth position in Africa.
Gernot Rohr’s men also did not add to their 1,427 points amassed last month due to their inactivity and will hope to improve on their position when the next FIFA World Ranking is released.
Senegal also retained top spot in Africa with Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria and DR Congo completing the top five teams on the continent.
Belgium remains top in the latest ranking with France (2nd, unchanged), Brazil (3rd, unchanged), Croatia (4th) and England (5th).
AFP reports that the African ranking shows Senegal (23), Tunisia (26) and Morocco (40) placing ahead of Nigeria while Congo Dr came in fifth place on the continental ranking.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on February 7, 2019
