Nigeria have moved two places up the FIFA Women’s rankings, following their first ‘Round of 16’ appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 20 years.
The rankings were released on FIFA’s website on Friday. The African champions are now ranked in the 36th position with 1,643 points, but they remain the continent’s top placed team.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the exploits of the U.S. at the tournament see them retain their top spot as the world’s best.
Jill Ellis’ team strengthened their hold after defeating four fellow top-six nations in the process to extend their lead to 121 points over Germany who are second.
The world champions amassed 2,180 points against 2,059 by the German side, who lost to Sweden in the quarter-finals.
This has become the largest gap in the ranking’s history. The Netherlands, who were runners-up at the World Cup in France, moved five places up to the third position and are the biggest movers within the Top 10.
After their Cinderella run to the final in what was only their second ever participation in the world finals, the Dutch’s third place ranking is the country’s best-ever position.
For the African teams, Cameroon who, alongside Nigeria, reached the Round of 16, rose five places up with 1,552 points in the 41st position to become Africa’s second best team.
Debutants South Africa retain their 49th spot in the world and are third on the continent’s list.
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