The CAF African Cup of Nations will be held from 9th January to 6th February, 2022 in Cameroon and 24 National teams will participate at the 2021 AFCON.
Ghsportsnews.com brings to its readers the nicknames of the 24 National teams participating at the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Egypt Cameroon.
African football teams have always had unusual nicknames, and this has become a tradition in the continent. Most of the teams are nicknamed after animals as they represent life, strength, and courage.
Some nicknames were made by the fans which are usually related to the colours of their flags or natural phenomena in the country.
Italian Rafael Pauli, researcher at the International Sports Center in Switzerland, said that the nicknames of teams are an expression of national unity and are another way of bringing people together. Football has played an important role in freedom and independence in African countries and has given them their own identities over the history.
Nicknames of National Teams Participating in AFCON 2021
Cameroon “The Indomitable Lions”
This nickname was inspired from the most famous animal in Cameroon. Lions are brave, strong, and fast. They are leaders, which is the same with the Cameroonian team.
“Untamed Lions” was one of the oldest titles in Africa, suggested back in 1972 by the Minister of Sports at Cameroon after the team was unable to qualify to the AFCON of the same year. At that time, the President of the country made drastic changes to the sector of football, and in one of the meetings with a public figure, the nickname was chosen, and “untamed” was added to distinguish the team from the rest of the teams.
Senegal “Lions of Teranga”
In the old Senegalese language “Wolof”, Teranga means hospitality, but like the Senegalese people say, it goes beyond mere hospitality. Teranga is not just a title, but a reflection of the nature of the Senegalese people who receive their guests with open arms, and allow them to enter their homes, meet their family members, and talk about their lives, religion, culture, and their own personal ideas.
Morocco “Atlas Lions”
This name came from the Atlantic mountains passing through Morocco.
Tunisia “Carthage Eagles”
Carthage is the cradle of the Tunisian civilization and the capital of the ancient Phoenician state. The nickname was chosen to suit their strength and speed while referring to the civilization of Carthage.
Algeria “Desert Foxes”
The Algerian national team has several nicknames: Desert Foxes, Desert Fighters, and The Greens. The desert fox lives in North Africa and some parts of the Arabian Peninsula in Saudi Arabia. It is distinct for its large ears.
Egypt “Pharaohs”
This nickname is basically related to the ancient Egyptians. Pharaohs were those kings in old Egypt who made great achievements, like building the Pyramids which are one of the world’s wonders.
The team also carries the name of “Prostraters”, since players usually celebrate their victory with prostration. This was clear during the previous AFCON editions in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Nigeria “Green Eagles”
The nickname is inspired from the eagles which Nigeria is famous for. Moreover, the main colour in the country’s flag is green. The team is also known for speed, accuracy, and strength, similarly to the eagle.
Cote d’Ivoire “Elephants”
Elephants were the most prevalent animals in Cote d’Ivoire in the past. If reflects giganticness and strength.
Ghana “Black Stars”
Their nickname originated from the black star that sits in the middle of the Ghanaian national flag. The Ghanaian Football Association decided to adopt the nickname as they believed that it would foster unity in the country. Despite winning four AFCON titles, the Black Stars have struggled in recent years. The last time they lifted the AFCON trophy was in 1982.
Mauritania “Almoravid”
Mauritania was qualified for the first time for AFCON in its history. The Mauritanian national team is nicknamed “Almoravid”, referring to Almoravid dynasty which was an imperial Berber Muslim dynasty emerged in the 5th and 6th AH in the Islamic Maghreb region.
Guinea “National Elephants”
The Guinean team is known as “Syli nationale” in the local language, which means “National Elephants”. In their culture, the elephant is a symbol of strength and unity.
Full List of Nicknames of National Teams Participating in AFCON 2021
?? Cameroon – Indomitable Lions
?? Burkina Faso – The Stallions
?? Cape Verde – Blue Sharks
?? Ethiopia – Walia Ibex
?? Senegal – Teranga Lions
?? Zimbabwe – The Warriors
?? Guinea – Syli Nationale (National Elephants)
?? Malawi – The Flames
?? Morocco – The Atlas Lions
?? Ghana – The Black Stars
?? Gabon – The Panthers
?? Comoros – The Coelacanths
?? Egypt – The Pharaohs
?? Nigeria – Super Eagles
?? Sudan – Falcons of Jediane
?? Guinea-Bissau – Djurtus
?? Algeria – The Desert Foxes
?? Ivory Coast – The Elephants
?? Sierra Leone – Leone Stars
?? Equatorial Guinea – Nzalang Nacional (National Thunder)
?? Tunisia – Carthage Eagles
?? Mali – The Eagles
?? Gambia – The Scorpions
?? Mauritania – Lions of Chinguetti
