This one may seem obvious, but it is still the perfect moniker for the Egyptian national teams, as historically the country provided the world with pyramids and Pharaohs that ruled in times passed. The greatest achievement for Egypt tally of seven African Cup of Nations titles.
Another of Africa’s most famous national teams, Nigeria is a team of pedigree that continues to aim for the continent’s top prize, having won the AFCON in 2013. The confidence the fans have in their team is displayed by their nickname, as the Super Eagles excite supporters in West Africa.
The current African champions have a nickname that is as fierce and powerful as their national team, with the Elephant symbolising an animal that fears no other. The Ivorians won the 2015 AFCON earlier this year.
Like the Nigerians, the Tunisians have a special affection for Eagles as birds of great majesty, which is why their team is given the name of the Eagles of Carthage. Tunisia is one of the powerhouse sides in North Africa, often touted as a dark horse before major tournaments.
Bafana Bafana translates to “The Boys, The Boys”. The name was coined in July 1992 during a match between South Africa and Cameroon, when fans began chanting during and after the game. Three journalists for South African newspaper The Sowetan began using it in print as an informal name, and it stuck.
Always amongst the top ranked teams on the continent, Algeria’s Desert Foxes or Fennec Foxes did very well at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, playing with class and coming close to upsetting eventual winners Germany in the knockout rounds.
The Black Stars have been amongst the best in Africa in recent years, working hard to live up to their stellar nickname by shining in continental competitions and on the global stage at World Cups. The nickname is now known all over the planet due to the team’s exploits at World Cups, especially their journey at the 2010 event, when they almost progressed to the semi-finals of the competition at the expense of Uruguay.
Amongst the most interesting and unique nicknames in world football, Chipolopolo is translated as ‘The Copper Bullets’, and locals will explain that the name signifies the determined purpose the national team has to reach its objectives, comparable with a bullet flying towards its intended target.
Malawi is a team that is not recognised as a powerhouse on the continent, but they play with great heart and they are backed by passionate fans, with the Flames symbolising the team’s place in the heart of their supporters.
Harambee is the Swahili word for ‘pulling together’, and as Kenya’s national team nickname, it has great significance. Pulling together towards a common goal is a wonderful way to describe a the team-work and collaboration needed for the success that the East Africans wish to achieve.
Though the name may not be as imposing as a national team nickname usually is, the humble squirrel is attached to the pride of Benin football fans. There were reports a few years ago that the country’s FA was considering a nickname change due to the fact that the small animal does not invoke the same fear as a lion or elephant might.
The Gabon national team has been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, thanks to star players such as striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the solid performances that the squad has been responsible for in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments. The team is known as the Panthers, a strong iconic animal known for its speed and agility, which are attributes describing the team it is meant to signify.
