Nigeria’s Super Eagles Now Top-Ranked at AFCON 2023 After Morocco’s Exit

In a surprising turn of events at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have emerged as the highest-ranked team following South Africa’s unexpected 2-0 victory over Morocco on Tuesday night.

Before the match, top-performing teams including Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia had already been eliminated from the tournament. Morocco, considered a strong contender and the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals, was heavily favored against Bafana Bafana, who had struggled in the group stage.

However, second-half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena secured a remarkable win for South Africa over the Atlas Lions. With Morocco out of the competition, Nigeria now holds the top position among the remaining teams at AFCON.

At the tournament’s outset, the Super Eagles were ranked as the sixth-best team. Of the eight teams still competing, Jose Peseiro’s squad stands as the highest-ranked according to FIFA rankings. The order follows with Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, South Africa, Congo DR, Cape Verde, Guinea, and Angola. This unexpected shift in rankings sets the stage for an intriguing quarter-final phase.