Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has said he never bothered to check the Super Eagles ranking position as a player.
On Thursday, FIFA released the latest ranking with the Super Eagles dropping from 39th to 40th position.
In Africa the three-time African champions are now sixth behind Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal and Algeria.
The Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifying opponents did not move up the ranking either.
While Lesotho, Benin Republic and South Africa dropped, Zimbabwe and Rwanda remained in their positions.
Also, the Super Eagles opponent in next month’s international friendly game Saudi Arabia, also dropped in the ranking.
Reacting to the latest ranking, Udeze played down the ranking, stating that he was only interested in helping the Super Eagles win as a player.
“I’m not a fan of the ranking, mine is to just play football,” the Korea/Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup star said on Brila FM.
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“Even during my playing days I never for once check the Super Eagles position in the ranking. As long I get invited and make sure I do my best to help the team win so for me I don’t care about ranking.”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have been placed in Pot 2 ahead of the draw for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
There is the possibility of the Eagles being drawn in the same group with Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia or Algeria, who are all in Pot 1.
The draw will hold on October 12 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire while the 2023 AFCON will run from 13 January to 11 February, 2024.
