Super Eagles handler Stephen Keshi has been left astounded by the latest FIFA rankings despite the team’s impressive results in recent times.
Nigeria dropped three places- from 33 to 36- on the world football ladder released on Thursday, November 28.
Having qualified for a fifth appearance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil with a 4-1 aggregate victory in a two-legged playoff encounter with Ethiopia last month, Nigeria bettered their performance against four-time world champions, Italy, who forced the Keshi-led Eagles to a 2-2 draw in an international friendly at Craven Cottage, London.
Meanwhile, Tuesday, October 29 loss to Jordan in Amman counted for most of the point’s disadvantage, but November’s outcome couldn’t have been far worst, if you ask many Nigerians.
“I am shocked (by the latest rankings). We won the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) this year, qualified for the World Cup and four-time world champions Italy held us to a draw, so I am surprised,” said Keshi.
Keshi, however, wants to continue with the winning mentality Nigerians have so fallen in love with.
“We should continue to win and make Nigerians proud because that is what is most important to me and Nigerians,” added Keshi.
“If we remain in where ever we are in the ranking and keep winning and Nigerians are happy, then I am happy.”
