The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is more than just a football tournament; it’s a vibrant showcase of African people, music, cultures, and traditions. This year’s edition, which kicked off on Sunday (21 December) in Morocco, is no different, and the diverse nicknames of the 24 competing teams perfectly reflect the continent’s rich tapestry.

A striking feature of these nicknames is their strong connection to the natural world. A significant 18 of the teams are represented by the names of animals – lions (Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal), fennec foxes (Algeria), sable antelopes (Angola), stallions (Burkina Faso), leopards (DR Congo, Benin), elephants (Ivory Coast), panthers (Gabon), cranes (Uganda), eagles (Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali), falcons (Sudan, Burkina Faso), zebras (Botswana), mambas (Mozambique), and crocodiles (Sudan). Even the unusual coelacanths represent Comoros.

Beyond the animal kingdom, inanimate elements of nature also feature prominently. Equatorial Guinea are known as the National Thunder, while Zambia’s Copper Bullets pay homage to the country’s abundant mineral wealth. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars – ‘Taifa’ meaning ‘nation’ in Swahili – are a celestial nod, a contrast to the absence of Ghana’s Black Stars from this year’s competition.

Many nicknames draw inspiration from history and geography. Egypt’s Pharaohs evoke a powerful ancient legacy, Zimbabwe’s Warriors represent a fighting spirit, and Tunisia’s association with Carthage recalls a once-great Mediterranean empire. DR Congo’s lesser-known moniker, ‘Warriors of the Equator,’ highlights the nation’s unique position on the world’s most famous latitude. Sudan’s Nile Crocodiles, meanwhile, pay tribute to the world’s longest river.

Even virtue finds its place, as exemplified by Senegal’s ‘Teranga’ (or ‘Teraanga’), a Wolof word synonymous with ‘hospitality’ – a cornerstone of Senegalese culture.

The importance of these nicknames isn’t lost on football associations. South Africa’s SAFA, for instance, invested significantly to officially secure the rights to ‘Bafana Bafana’ (‘The Boys, The Boys’ in Nguni) in the early 2010s. Nigeria, seeking a more dynamic image, transitioned from the Green Eagles to the Super Eagles after their 1988 AFCON performance.

Benin recently rebranded from the Squirrels to the Cheetahs in 2022, hoping the change will inspire improved results – a move that remains to be seen, given their limited success in progressing past the group stage of the tournament.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE