ABUJA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's head coach Gernot Rohr on Saturday downplayed the Super Eagles' chances in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Rohr told the official News Agency of Nigeria that the current rankings by world football governing body FIFA do not place the Nigerian team as favorites for winning the World Cup.

"It is important for us not to think we can win the World Cup," Rohr said, adding "we are not among the favorites. If you look at the FIFA rankings, you will see there are teams who are better than us."

Nigeria is on the 47th spot in FIFA's rankings in the month of May. The country is sixth in Africa.

The Super Eagles will face England in a pre-World Cup friendly at Wembley Stadium later on Saturday.

On Friday, Rohr said winger Moses Simon would not be fit to merit a berth in the final 23-man squad for football's greatest showcase.

However, all other Nigerian players on the provisional list for the World Cup are ready, he added.