In the ranking table released by the world football governing body on Thursday, 25th July, 2019, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved up 12 spots in the July FIFA ranking, to place 33rd in the world after winning bronze at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The 28-year-old’s last-minute free-kick helped the Desert Foxes overpower the Super Eagles at Cairo International Stadium Algeria defeated Nigeria 2-1 to reach the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Sunday evening.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr admitted he expects a far tougher challenge against Algeria in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals than during qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. The Super Eagles finished top of a section including 2017 African champions Cameroon and Algeria on the road to Russia last year, defeating the Desert Foxes 3-1 at home before a 1-1 draw in the return fixture.

Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr claims Bafana Bafana are firm favourites to lift the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations following their impressive 1-0 win against Egypt in the Round of 16. South Africa pulled off the unthinkable last Saturday when they dumped hosts Egypt out of the competition in front of 75, 000 fans at the Cairo International Stadium.

Super Eagles players have called off bonus striker after Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari intervention ahead of matchday two encounters against Guinea on Tuesday afternoon at Alexandria Stadium.