NIGERIA has retained its 51st position in the January world rankings released by FIFA on Thursday, January 18. The Super Eagles began 2018 by retaining the position they dropped to in December after dropping for two consecutive months in the rankings.

In the latest rankings, the Eagles have 651 points – an increase from the 640 points they had in December. They also retained their ninth place in Africa. On the continent, Tunisia is number one with 915 points – a one-place increase from its December rankings. Tunisia is now 23rd in the world.

Senegal, which was ranked 23rd in December, dropped a place to 24th, to become second in Africa. Egypt also climbed a spot to 30th position and is third on the continent. Morocco, which is fourth in Africa, climbed a spot to 39th while DR Congo dropped four spots to 43rd in the world. The country is now ranked fifth in Africa.

Burkina Faso, African champions Cameroon and Ghana also retained their places and are ranked sixth, seventh and eighth on the continent. Algeria climbed a place to 57 to complete the African top 10.

Nigeria’s Group D Russia 2018 opponent Croatia climbed two places in the rankings to 15th. The other European team in the group Iceland also climbed two spots to be ranked 20th. South American giant Argentina remains fourth in the rankings.

The top 10 countries in the world are unchanged as World Cup champions Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Belgium retained their spots. Spain remains sixth. Poland, Switzerland, France and Chile are the others in the top 10.

–   Jan.  16, 2018 @ 16:58 GMT