Nigerian football fans fault FIFA rankings

The fans, who spoke in an opinion poll in
Abakaliki on Friday, were reacting to Nigeria's
36th position in the world and fourth in Africa.
Fans in Nigeria's southeast Ebonyi state have
faulted the modalities for the monthly
rankings of football nations by the
international football federation (FIFA).
The fans, who spoke in an opinion poll in
Abakaliki on Friday, were reacting to Nigeria's
36th position in the world and fourth in Africa.
The fans wondered how Nigeria remained down
in rankings after winning the African Cup of
Nations and at least three international
matches in a row, reports Xinhua.
George Anizoba, coach of Mgbo Ambassadors
FC of Ohaukwu, noted that the rankings had
continued to be a mystery.
"Nigeria is the defending African Cup of
Nations champions, has won three matches in
a row before the latest rankings but is only
placed fourth in Africa while dropping one
place in the world. Ghana, which is placed
second in Africa, won one, drew one and lost
one of its latest three matches and placed a
dismal fourth in the last Nations Cup," he said.
Alex Nwofe, a sports administrator, said that
the rankings were influenced by several
factors, of which politics was paramount.
Nigeria needs to fill the vacuum in global
football politics created by the exit of Amos
Adamu from FIFA.
Austin Diala, Ebonyi Stars FC goalkeeper, urged
Nigerians to be grateful to God that the
country was ranked among the best five in the
continent.
"The present placement will enable the country
to be seeded in the play-offs which gives it the
advantage of playing the first leg of the two-
legged ties away," he said.