Former Nigeria International Garba Lawal believes that the Super Eagles would move up the FIFA Monthly ranking if they get to play more friendly and competitive games.
The Eagles dropped to 40th position in the latest September ranking which is a spot lower than their previous position two months ago when they were 39th. They last occupied the same position as they were now in April this year.
The Eagles spanked Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 who are ranked 188th in the world at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo and the win did not count much for them when FIFA released the ranking yesterday.
Lawal who was a member of the Super Eagles squad in France 1998 and Korea-Japan 2002 FIFA World Cups, said the team should concentrate on playing more games to improve in the monthly ranking.
“What was their position last month? Are they not in almost the same spot? They need to play more friendly games and other Competitive games. If they do, they will improve in the FIFA ranking,” Lawal said. “They played against Sao Tome and Principe who are in the bottom rank in the world. Can FIFA reckon with that? It will be hard.
He urged the Nigeria Football Federation to organise more games for the team while applauding their decision to announce Saudi Arabia as the team’s next opponent in a friendly game next month.
The Super Eagles are through to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations slated for Cote d’Ivoire while they will begin their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in November in Uyo.
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