The Super Eagles moved up two places in the latest FIFA rankings released yesterday with 620 points.
With Eagles goalless draw with South America giants, Mexico in Atlanta, USA last month, Nigeria moved into the 45th position globally as against the 47th of the previous month's ranking by the world soccer body.
Eagles similarly moved up two places in the rankings for Africa to occupy the sixth position behind Cape verde (5th), Ghana (4th), Algeria (3rd) and Egypt (2nd). The Elephants of Ivory Coast retained their number one position in African football.
With several friendly matches lined up for Stephen Keshi's wards leading to the World Cup in June, the Eagles are expected to chalk up a decent rating before hitting the Samba nation for a shot at the trophy. No African nation has reached the semi final of the mundial even as several football aficionados are expecting the Eagles' gaffer to attain that height.
Europe occupies the top three places on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking after Portugal climbed third behind leaders Spain and Germany. They are followed by four South American sides in Colombia, (4th), Uruguay (5th,) and Super Eagles Group opponents at Brazil 2014, Argentina who came down three places to occupy the sixth position. World Cup hosts, Brazil moved up three places to share the spot with Argentina. Greece returned to the top ten for the first time since October 2012, while Scotland moved up 15 places to the 22nd position in the world.
Meanwhile, Argentina's coach Alejandro Sabella said yesterday that he believes Super Eagles and the other teams (Iran and Bosnia -Herzegovina) in the Group F of Brazil 2014 were scared of his team.
"Our rivals will fear us because Argentina has an amazing front line," Sabella said on the national team's official website. Argentina ranked the highest in Group F at six in the world has won the golden fleece of football twice.
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