Despite missing out on a fourth consecutive appearance at the World Cup and losing 5.90 points, the Super Eagles moved up two steps in the current FIFA ranking released for the month of March by the world governing body.
The Eagles moved up from the 32nd position to the 30th in the world ranking released on Thursday.
Nigeria also climbed up two spots in Africa from fifth to third.
Prior to March’s release, the Eagles had a total point of 1504.01 but the latest ranking sees them lose 5.90 points to finish the month with 1509.91.
Reigning African champions Senegal, ranked number one on the continent, are the 20th best team in the world.
Morocco’s Atlas Lions are the second-placed team, while Egypt and Tunisia are fourth and fifth respectively, completing the continent’s best five national teams.
Other African countries that completed the top 10 list are Cameroon, Algeria, Mali, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
However, Brazil overtook Belgium as the number one team in the world, with the Red Devils settling for the second spot. France follow in third while Argentina and England complete the top five globally.
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and The Netherlands are all in the Top 10.
Others that made the top 20 list are Denmark, Germany, Uruguay, Switzerland, USA, Croatia, Colombia, Wales, Sweden and Senegal.
