Nigeria have been regarded as being the 29th best of the 32 teams taking part in the 2018 World Cup after the first round of games following their 2-0 loss to Croatia in their opening match.
British newspaper Daily Telegraph, in an assessment of all the teams, rated the Super Eagles has only better than Saudi Arabia which lost the opening game of the tournament 5-0 to host country Russia and debutants Panama who defeated 3-0 by Belgium.
The paper wrote about the Eagles: “A horrible performance from a group of players who didn't seem to grasp quite how important their opening game at the World Cup was. Whether the manager's fault or those in green shirts, there was no urgency, no great surge to try and rescue a point, an isolated striker and full-backs who weren't allowed to get forward. Nigeria should be so much better than this.”
Spain and Portugal, who played out an action-packed 3-3 draw came in first and second while Mexico, who beat reigning World Cup champions Germany were rated third.
Brazil, who were held by Switzerland and England’s late 2-1 winner over Tunisia make up the top five in the ratings.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
