Germany remain top in latest FIFA world ranking, Nigeria stunned

Germany have retained their position at the top of the latest FIFA ranking for November released on Thursday. They are followed by Brazil in second place, Euro 2016 winners Portugal in third, Argentina in fourth, and Belgium in fifth, completing the top five remaining unchanged from last month's ranking.

NEW #FIFARANKING

🇩🇪Germany remain top, 🇸🇳Senegal soar, 🇨🇭Swiss back into top 🔟

More info 👀👉 https://t.co/0hhoftJ1nK pic.twitter.com/lIHAKgdTgS

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) November 23, 2017

The Three Lions of England dropped a number of places in the latest update to occupy 15th place as there was some movement in the top 10 with Spain rising two spots to sixth and Switzerland climbing three places into eighth.Wales, meanwhile, have tumbled five places to 19th.

Denmark, who booked their place in the World Cup with a play-off triumph over the Republic of Ireland, jumped seven places to 12th, with their beaten opponents falling six to 32nd.

Northern Ireland, who were also beaten in the World Cup play-offs, dropped one place following their defeat to Switzerland and are now 24th, while Scotland are joint 32nd after falling three places.

Elsewhere, Senegal have risen to their highest ever FIFA ranking as they soared to 23rd - a jump of nine places - following their qualification for the 2018 World Cup to become the highest ranked team in Africa.

Despite missing out on a place at the World Cup, Italy went up a place to 14th, while their play-off foes Sweden have broken into the top 20 after rising seven places to 18th.

The United States who also failed to qualify for next year's tournament in Russia, rose three places and are now joint 24th with Northern Ireland.

And in what will come as a surprise to many, despite putting up a fine performance by going through the World Cup qualifiers unbeaten and easing past perennial rivals Argentina, the Super Eagles of Nigeria dropped 9 places in the latest FIFA ranking to become 50th in the world and 8th in Africa.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/nigeria-drop-9-places-latest-fifa-ranking-now-50th-world/

The final FIFA world ranking for 2017 will be announced on December 21.