Mr Kroes, 49, a former director at Eredivisie clubs Go Ahead Eagles and AZ Alkmaar started his job as CEO and chairman of the board at Ajax on March 15.
The newly-crowned African champions Cote d’Ivoire, sits in 39th place having moved up by 10 spots.
A cross-section of the fans told journalists that having reached the final, the Super Eagles are the favourite to lift the trophy.
The Eagles are expected to start arriving at their Penina Hotel and Resort, Portimao, on Tuesday.
Crystal Palace have announced the appointment of former coach Roy Hodgson as the new manager of the first team until the end of the current season.
He guided Nigeria to its first African Nations Cup title at the 1980 African Nations Cup in Lagos.
