Nigeria yesterday benefitted from her victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa as the country rose by 22 spots in global football in the current FIFA ranking released by the world football governing body.

Nigeria jumped 22 spots to occupy number 30 in the world, courtesy the country's impressive showing at the continental football show that culminated with the Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

The Super Eagles defeated the Stallions of Burkina Faso 1-0 on Sunday to win their third African title in Johannesburg.

This made them climb up sharply on the global rankings to 30th place and fourth in Africa. Before yesterday's release, Nigeria was 52 in the world and number nine in Africa when the Nations Cup commenced in January.

Cote D'Ivoire remain the top country in Africa as they climbed two places up to 12th worldwide despite failing to get past the quarter final stage. Ghana and Mali remain in second and third place.

Algeria, Tunisia, Zambia, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso and South Africa make up the top ten countries in Africa.

Spain, Germany, Argentina, England and Italy hold the top five spots globally.