FIFA ranking: Nigeria breaks into world's top 30, now 4th in Africa

Few days after emerging new African Champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have soared in the latest FIFA ranking, moving from a miserable 52nd place to 30th among the world football nations. It’s indeed a significant progression.
Apparently, Nigeria moved up to 22 places to hit 4th place in Africa from last month’s 10th position. It’s Nigeria’s best ranking since August 2010 and thus continues her steady return to the summit of football on the continent.

The Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire, despite losing to the Super Eagles in the quarterfinals of the just-ended African Cup of Nations in South Africa, remains Africa’s highest ranked team, having moved two steps in the February edition.

Ghana and Mali who ended 3rd and 4th in the Nations Cup also rank higher than Nigeria.

Spain maintained their top position ahead of Germany and Argentina, with England climbing two places after beating 18th-ranked Brazil in a friendly last week to place fourth, thereby pushing Italy to fifth place.

Mexico leads CONCACAF nations at 15th place, while the United States dropped four to 32, after losing a World Cup qualifier to 51st ranked Honduras.

Japan leads Asian nations at 28th place despite being down to seven places.

World top 30 ranking
Spain 
Germany     
Argentina     
England 
Italy     
Colombia     
Portugal     
Netherlands     
Croatia     
Russia     
Greece     
Cote d'Ivoire     
Ecuador     
Switzerland     
Mexico     
Uruguay     
France 
Brazil     
Ghana     
Belgium     
Sweden     
Denmark     
Chile     
Bosnia-Herzegovina     
Mali     
Czech Republic     
Norway     
Japan     
Montenegro     
Nigeria 

Africa ranking top 10
Cote d'Ivoire     
Ghana     
Mali     
Nigeria     
Algeria     
Tunisia     
Zambia     
Central African Republic     
Burkina Faso     
South Africa