Nigeria climbs 5 places in IRB ranking, 73rd in the world, 9th in Africa

Nigeria has  climbed to the 73rd place in the world and 11th in Africa in the latest World Rugby rankings.

Nigeria was ranked 81st in the world and 13th in Africa prior to the 2014 Africa Nations Cup 1C in which the Black Stallions placed third behind Botswana and Mauritius and quickly climbed three places to 78th after the tournament

The Vice president and Technical Director of  Nigeria Rugby Football Federation  Tunji Fasimoye announced the news to the press in Lagos "It's a great tribute to the team and players and all the credit should go to them," he said.

Fasimoye further stressed the need for corporate sponsorship to enable the NRFF execute its developmental plans in 2015 and beyond.

“Nigeria; with our population of over 160 million has the potential to become the next power house of the sport in Africa. We have to thank CMB Building Maintenance & Inv. Co Ltd for their unflinching support towards rugby however; we need more financial backing from corporate Nigeria to achieve this goal”.

New Zealand remain at number one while South Africa is second in the world and first in Africa.

Ireland, England and Wales occupy the third, fourth and fifth positions.

Namibia is second in Africa followed by Zimbabwe in third, Kenya in fourth and Tunisia in fifth.