FIFA rankings: major shake-up in Africa's top 10
The FIFA rankings have seen big changes in Africa. Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Angola and DR Congo are the biggest climbers.
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The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations was not just the AFCON of surprises. For almost a month, Africa was gripped. Tears of joy, tears of disappointment, unexpected results, regrets: every emotion was on show, right through to Ivory Coast's victory (1-2) over Nigeria on 11 February. Some teams recorded impressive results. Others quickly left their supporters disappointed. As a result, the latest FIFA rankings have brought major upheaval in Africa's top 10.
Six teams have jumped ten points or more. Ivory Coast are now 39th in the world (+10). The Elephants are reaping the rewards of their triumph on home soil, climbing to 5th in Africa from 9th. Nigeria (28th in the world, +14), the unlucky finalists, have knocked Egypt off the African podium. Fourth in January, the Super Eagles complete the podium behind Morocco (12th in the world) and Senegal (17th in the world) in the latest FIFA rankings, released in February.
Equatorial Guinea, South Africa and Cape Verde also do well
Angola have also made a spectacular leap, gaining 24 points. The Palancas Negras are now 93rd thanks to their quarter-final run at AFCON. In short, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the big winners in these FIFA rankings, thanks to their excellent performances at AFCON 2023.
Equatorial Guinea (79th, +9), South Africa (58th, +8), Cape Verde (65th, +8), Namibia (107th, +8) and Mali (47th, +4) are not far behind. At the other end, Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana are the big losers in these FIFA rankings.