体坛英语新闻：Nigerian soccer fans fault FIFA on rankings

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Football fans in Nigeria's southeast Ebonyi State have faulted the modalities for the monthly rankings of football nations by the International Football Federation (FIFA).

The fans, who spoke in an opinion poll in Abakaliki on Friday, were reacting to Nigeria's rankings on the 36th position in the world and fourth in Africa.

The fans wondered how Nigeria remained down on the rankings after winning the African Cup of Nations and at least three international matches in a row.

George Anizoba, the coach of Mgbo Ambassadors FC of Ohaukwu, noted that the rankings had continued to be a mystery to soccer followers.

"Nigeria is the defending African Cup of Nations champions, has won three matches in a row before the latest rankings but is only placed fourth in Africa while dropping one place in the world," he said.

"Ghana who is placed second in Africa for instance, won one, drew one and lost one of its latest three matches and placed a dismal fourth in the last Nations Cup," he added.

Alex Nwofe, a sports administrator, noted that the rankings were influenced by several factors, of which politics was paramount.

The rankings are not only measured by performance as Mali who did not even qualify for the playoffs placed fifth in Africa above most of the qualifiers, he added.

Nigeria needs to fill the vacuum in global football politics created by the exit of Amos Adamu from FIFA, he said.

Austin Diala, Ebonyi Stars FC goalkeeper, urged Nigerians to be grateful to God that the country was ranked among the best five on the continent.

"The present placement will enable the country to be seeded in the play-offs which gives it the advantage of playing the first leg of the two-legged ties away," he said.

Nicholas Nwagbara, a construction worker, urged the Super Eagles not to be complacent but re-double their efforts at qualifying for the World Cup," he told reporters.

"The team should not be complacent due to its current fine form but work assiduously on areas of weaknesses to record successful playoffs," he said.

Nkechi Eneh, a physical and health education consultant, called on the Nigerian Football Association to maintain good relationships with the players.

"The players' code of conduct among other disputable issues should be dropped while only motivational ones should be projected to ensure adequate concentration ahead of the play-offs," he said.