Super Eagles maintain 39th position in latest FIFA ranking

The Super Eagles of Nigeria maintained 39th position in the latest FIFA World ranking that was released on Thursday, September 19, 2024.In Africa, the Eagles are in sixth position behind the likes of Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco are Africa’s highest ranked team in 14th globally while Senegal and Egypt are 21st and 31st respectively.Africa Cup of Nations champions Cote d’Ivoire are ranked 33rd while Tunisia occupy 36th place.

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Despite an impressive outing during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, the Eagles maintained their position.Under interim coach Austin Eguavoen, the team beat Benin Republic 3-0 in Uyo and drew goalless with Rwanda in Kigali.In the Top 10 in the FIFA World ranking, there are no changes.World Cup champions Argentina remain at number one, France are second, Spain are third, England fourth and Brazil fifth while in sixth place is Belgium, the Netherlands are seventh, Portugal occupy eight, Colombia in ninth and Italy 10th.

Super Eagles maintain 39th position in latest FIFA ranking

Nigeria’s Ilenikhena sinks Barcelona with late goal for Monaco

Nigeria’s George Ilenikhena played the hero as AS Monaco secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over a 10-man Barcelona in a pulsating Champions League encounter on Thursday in France.

The Nigerian striker’s second-half goal proved to be the difference in a match filled with drama, as Barcelona struggled after an early red card to Eric Garcia.

The match took a dramatic turn just 11 minutes in when Barcelona’s Eric Garcia was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge, reducing the Spanish side to 10 men for the remainder of the game.

Monaco wasted no time capitalising on the numerical advantage, with Maghnes Akliouche opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Akliouche brilliantly maneuvered through Barcelona’s defense before firing a superb shot into the bottom right corner, leaving Marc-Andre ter Stegen helpless.

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Despite the setback, Barcelona fought back. Lamine Yamal, the young sensation, pulled Barcelona level with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 28th minute. His shot nestled perfectly in the bottom right corner, leaving Monaco stunned as the Catalans showed they still had plenty of fight despite being a man down.

Monaco continued to press, and Wilfried Singo thought he had restored the lead in the 35th minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Man United thrash Barnsley 7-0 in EFL Cup game

Manchester United enjoyed a dominant performance in the EFL Cup, securing their biggest victory under manager Erik ten Hag with a crushing win over League One side Barnsley.

United sailed into the last-16 of the competition, delivering an emphatic 7-0 win.

Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen each scored twice, while Brazilian winger Antony converted a first-half penalty, contributing to the rout.

This win marked United’s most significant victory since their 9-0 demolition of Southampton in February 2021, when Covid-19 restrictions kept the stands empty.

For Ten Hag, this match was a milestone as it was the first time his team scored five or more goals since his appointment. Eriksen’s late brace further added to the celebratory mood, capping a night that the Dutch manager described as “perfect.”

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“For the team, this is the perfect night,” said Ten Hag. “We did everything we planned—winning to reach the next round, scoring some great goals, entertaining the fans, and working on our game model, so we are happy.”

Despite the vocal support from Barnsley’s traveling fans, Darrell Clarke’s side was thoroughly outmatched.

Their most notable moment came when Clarke himself showed a brilliant touch to control a ball that had gone out of play, earning applause from both sets of supporters.

United also handed a first start to their £50.5 million signing, Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder looked assured throughout the game, giving Ten Hag confidence that his team is nearing the complete squad he envisioned when he took over in 2022.

Despite the victory, Ten Hag remains grounded. “I wasn’t devastated after Liverpool, and I’m not celebrating now. We will see where we are in May because then we have to be good,” he said, emphasizing the long-term goals for the season.

Man United thrash Barnsley 7-0 in EFL Cup game