AFCON 2023: Know the nicknames of Group A teams

Names define us. They represent us and primarily tell the world who we are, what we stand for, and what we are about. In Africa, our names carry a lot of meaning.

As we approach the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast 2023, it is imperative that CafOnline.com takes a close look at the nicknames of all the 24 teams that will be taking part in this year’s edition.

These names speak to the spirit of the teams, to the core celebration of the people back home who hold the pride of the nation dear to their hearts, and they ultimately celebrate the patriotic essence that comes with wearing national team colors.

It should be noted that most of these nicknames have immense attachment to the tourism aspect of the countries – from wild animals to national symbols to iconic geographical locations.

The variety speaks to the never-ending attachment that cuts across.

Below are the monikers in the teams in Group A

COTE D'IVOIRE – The Elephants

The host nation derives its name from the elephant. The ivory tusks on the largest mammal give it a graceful yet conquering demeanor that sets it apart.

Ivory Coast used to be one of the biggest exporters of ivory given the large population of African elephants.

Their national football team has since embraced this name – the Elephants with so much pride and carried the spirit of the elephant to every tournament.

It is no doubt, therefore, that Ivory Coast has produced some of the biggest names to ever grace the Afcon like Laurent Pokou, Joel Tiehi, Didier Drogba, Yaya and Kolo Toure, Salomon Kalou, and Didier Zokora to mention but a few.

NIGERIA – The Super Eagles

The characteristics of eagles range from courage to bravery, then pride and grace.

What all these have in common is a