*Undated
The Africa Cup of Nations kick-started with pomp and colour, a true comparison to the stunning nicknames the respective National teams hold.
More to that is that the nicknames not only fill up the commentary waves with rhythmic poetry but also open up a mystery window into what exactly the names describe and reveal about the African teams.
AFCON 2021 top nicknames explained
Cameroon: Indomitable Lions
This year's host, Cameroon, will hope to recapture some former glory. The recognizable nickname was born out of a rebrand of sorts.
Initially known as just the Lions — a nod to the regal animal which lives mostly in the semi-arid northern parts of the country — president Ahmadou Ahidjo tweaked things a bit in 1972.
He changed the name to "Indomitable Lions" hoping to give the team a bit more impressive and recognizable status. "Indomitable" by definition means "impossible to subdue or defeat."
Senegal: Lions of Teranga
The Senegalese nickname runs thick with the history of the country. "Teranga" is a word in the country's Lingua Franca, or "link language," known as Wolof.
According to NYC-based Senegalese chef Pierre Thiam as quoted by the BBC in 2020, while the official translation of "teranga" is "hospitality," that definition is “a loose way of translating it. It’s really much more complex than that. It’s a way of life.” Thus, the name is a nod to the country's heritage.
Lions are native to Senegal, although their numbers — like in Cameroon — have dwindled significantly. The last remaining known lion population is located in Niokolo-Koba National Park on the banks of the Gambia river.
Algeria: Fennec Foxes
While other nations like Cameroon have gone for more intimidating and imposing nicknames, Algeria has embraced a more cute and furry part of its national heritage. The fennec fox, a subspecies of fox native to the Sahara Desert, is the national animal of Algeria and thus made the perfect nickname. It even featured on the 2010 jersey featured below.
Tunisia: Eagles of Carthage
Like Cameroon, Tunisia has taken a well-known animal and added some flair. Carthage was the coastal capital city of the Carthaginian civilization, an flourishing ancient civilization that resided in modern day Tunisia.
The city was famously sacked and destroyed by the Roman Empire, leaving ruins which can still be visited today. The eagle reference evokes power, regality and superiority.
Egypt: The Pharaohs
While other nicknames take some research to discern their history and meaning, this one is straightforward. Egypt's team, known for its Great Pyramids, is known as the Pharaohs, a nod to the country's ancient monarchs.
The pharaohs were thought of as messengers from the gods and therefore had the divine right to lead the people.