Nigeria climbed a step from the 39th position to 38 in the FIFA world rankings for the month of April released yesterday.

This minimal rise was on the back of victories against Ethiopia in the Nation Cup qualifiers and Kenya in an international friendly in Abuja last month.

Ghana move from the 16th position to 15 and maintained its top position on the African continent. Cote’d Ivoire moved four places to occupy the 21st position on the world rankings. Egypt continued its downward movement from 35 to 36. Nigeria is fourth on the in the continent where the biggest mover was South Africa.

They jumped seven places from 46 to 39 to make up the top five in Africa.
Spain maintained its number one position with Holland following closely thanks to victories in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying.

There was, however, significant movement below them on the latest instalment of the global ladder. Brazil (3rd, up 2) have reclaimed a podium position, while Germany (4th, down 1) and Argentina (5th, down 1) have lost ground.