Nigeria Ranked Highest Team left in AFCON ahead of Semifinals with South Africa
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, who will participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, are presently the highest-ranked team in the competition.
When the Eagles face South Africa in the semifinals on Wednesday, Nigeria’s prospects of winning a fourth AFCON title will be put to the test again.
Up to this time, the 34th AFCON has proven to be a tournament for the underdogs in Cote d’Ivoire, anticipating the critical match against Bafana Bafana.
The Nigerian Super Eagles, the strongest team remaining in the competition, will face South Africa in Bouake.
Per the current FIFA World Ranking, Nigeria is currently ranked 42nd in the world, making it the only AFCON semifinalist inside the top 45.
Nigeria started the year as the 43rd-best footballing nation in the world and sixth-best-ranked team in Africa heading into the AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire in January.
However, the top five led by former favourites for the title, Morocco (13th) and defending champions, Senegal (20th), have all exited the tournament.
This leaves the Super Eagles as the top-ranked team in Ivory Coast ahead of the semi-final round of matches.
Host nation, Ivory Coast (9th), is the next, with South Africa (12th) and DR Congo (22nd) completing the lineup in the last four.
As they prepare to face South Africa in the semis, Nigeria’s ranking underscores their quality and makes them one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
The Super Eagles’ ranking surpasses fellow semifinalists like South Africa, who are ranked 66th in the world, hosts Cote d’Ivoire (49th), and surprise pack, DR Congo, ranked 67th.
With pedigree and ranking on their side, Nigeria will aim to translate their status as Africa’s top-ranked team into continental glory.
