Nigeria dropped one place from 48th position to 49th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as a new ranking formula take effect this August, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The formula, which was approved by the FIFA Council in June after a lengthy period of testing, according to FIFA ‘relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the Ranking.

‘The changes, of which there are several, include the fact that inactive teams now preserve their point totals, with no devaluation of older games. Points are dropped, however, from losing or drawing against weaker opposition, with the only exception to this rule matches in knockout rounds of major competitions such as the FIFA World Cup’, accordng to a statemet on FIFA’s official website

The Super Eagles who recorded one win and lost two games at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia retains their position as the seventh best team in Africa.

The Super Eagles amassed 1410 points to finish 49th in the month of August.

Seychelles whom Nigeria face in an African Nations Cup qualifier next month are placed 188th in the ranking released by FIFA on Thursday.

Reigning World Champions, France moved up six places to reclaim pole position for the first time in over 16 years, a spot they last held in May 2002.

Russia 2018 semi-finalists Belgium are second Brazil in third, while World Cup runners-up Croatia are fourth and Uruguay fifth.

England occupy sixth place while Portugal are seventh, Switzerland dropped two places to eight while Spain moved up one place to ninth position, with Denmark also tied on ninth place but with an inferior point difference.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 20 September 2018.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fifa-world-ranking-nigeria-now-49th-7th-in-africa-in-new-ranking-system/