On December 21, the “Lions of the Atlas” welcomed the “Coelacanths” to launch the 2025 African Cup of Nations. With the competition in full swing, a point is necessary to remember the nicknames of the 24 teams who will compete for the continental crown. At home, the Moroccans will not be the only wild beasts in the tournament. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Lions of Senegal – or Lions of Teranga – will also be there.
The maned animal is the most popular among the selected selections. As much as the eagles, whether they are “Super” in Nigeria, from Carthage to designate Tunisia, or from Mali. African nations have often chosen animals to nickname their national team. Title holder, Ivory Coast has designated its national emblem: the Elephant or “Syli” in Soussou, a local language.
The list of nicknames for the 24 teams
South Africa : Bafana Bafana (the Boys)
Algeria : the Fennecs
Angola : the Palancas Negras (black antelopes)
Benign : Cheetahs
Botswana : Zebras
Burkina Faso : the Stallions
Cameroon : the indomitable Lions
Comoros : Coelacanths (a prehistoric fish)
Ivory Coast : Elephants
Egypt : the Pharaohs
Gabon : the Panthers
Equatorial Guinea : the National Nzalang (the national Lighting)
Mali : the Eagles
Morocco : the Lions of the Atlas
Mozambique : Mambas (one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa)
Nigeria : the Super Eagles (the super eagles)
Uganda : the Cranes (the Cranes)
Democratic Republic of Congo : the Leopards
Senegal : the Lions (or Lions of Teranga)
Sudan : Sokoor Al-Jediane (the Falcons of Jediane)
Tanzania : the Taifa Stars (the Stars of the Nation)
Tunisia : the Eagles of Carthage
Zambia : the Chipolopolos (the Copper Balls)
Zimbabwe : the Warriors (the Warriors)
However, other selections are known by less animalistic nicknames. Bafana Bafana became known in particular with the organization of the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. There is no need to explain where the nickname “Pharaohs” with which the Egyptians are given comes from.
These references to local culture are less obvious for Equatorial Guinea and its Nzalang Nacional – the National Lightning -, Tanzania and its Taifa Stars – the Stars of the Nation -, or the Chipolopolos of Zambia – the Copper Balls, the country being located in the mining region of the “Copper Belt”.
