From ‘Super Eagles’, ‘Copper Bullets’ and Blue Sharks’ through to hosts ‘The Elephants’, we break down the nickname of all 24 teams at AFCON.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations got underway on Friday (12 January) as hosts Ivory Coast saw off Guinea Bissau with a 2-0 win.
24 sides eye the biggest prize in African football with the final scheduled for 11 February where the champion of Africa will be crowned at the 60,000 capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium in the capital, Abidjan.
As always each of the participants will be supported by small groups of travelling fans with the cultural heritage and national colours forming a key element in the supporters match-day attire. Every bit as important to fans are the national team nicknames which are often laden with cultural, historical and emotional meanings, reflecting the hopes and spirit of the 24 participating nations.
Ivory Coast: The Elephants
The ivory tusks on the largest mammal give it a graceful yet conquering demeanor that sets it apart. Côte d’Ivoire 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.
Nigeria: Super Eagles
The eagle which adorns the national team badge illustrates pride and power along with symbolizing the superiority, bravery, courage and high ambition of the national team. It makes them exhibit a never-give-up attitude and a posture that is always unique.
Equatorial Guinea: Nzalang Nacional
The ‘national ray of light in Fang’ or ‘national thunder’ is meant to evoke fear into opponents as they make their fourh ever appearance at an Africa Cup of Nations
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