Ero Samson
updated at February 16, 2024 at 10:44 AM
- The world governing body for football (FIFA) recently announced the latest ranking of member countries
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria were the biggest winners as they jumped 14 places to 28th on the standings
- Coach of the Nigerian side, Jose Peseiro, hinted at a new target after the announcement of the rankings
Just days after the thrilling conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, the International Association Football Federation (FIFA) unveiled their eagerly awaited first national team rankings for 2024.
This announcement, which is conducted on a monthly basis, featured the Nigeria national team as the biggest winner, as they jumped from 14 places to move from 42 on the log to position 28. On the African continent, the Super Eagles moved from sixth, which they were ranked at the end of 2023, to third position, only behind Morocco and Senegal.
AFCON 2023: Peter Obi spotted in Abidjan to support Nigeria ahead of Angola showdown
Football
Source: Getty Images
This remarkable ascent owes much to Nigeria’s stellar performance at the AFCON, where they proudly secured the silver medal in Ivory Coast.
However, despite this notable achievement, the Nigerian team’s manager, Jose Peseiro, remains hungry for more. He has hinted at ambitious goals for his squad for the remainder of the year.
Peseiro’s goal following FIFA’s ranking
The 63-year-old coach took to social media to express his response to the recent ranking update.
In the shared photos, the Portuguese coach acknowledged the team’s ascent following their performance at the AFCON. However, he subtly hinted at his goal for the remainder of the year: to secure the top spot for the Super Eagles on the continent.
This ambition mirrors that of many within the Nigerian football hierarchy. Despite witnessing the team reach their highest position since their victory at the 2013 AFCON, as reported by FIFA.com, they are determined to strive for greater success under the guidance of the Portuguese coach.
AFCON 2023: Troost Ekong targets title for Super Eagles after Angola victory
Football
Peseiro names toughest AFCON match
Sports Brief in another report stated that the coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Peseiro, has identified his toughest game at the recently concluded AFCON.
The 63-year-old told South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, that facing Bafana Bafana was more difficult than playing in the final against Ivory Coast.
Nigeria needed extra time and, subsequently, penalties to defeat their South African counterparts on the night.
