CAN 2025: the nicknames of the 24 participating teams | OneFootball

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·23 December 2025

CAN 2025: the nicknames of the 24 participating teams

Article image:CAN 2025: the nicknames of the 24 participating teams

Fennecs, Lions, Elephants... the stories behind the AFCON team names

Article image:CAN 2025: the nicknames of the 24 participating teams

CAN 2025: the nicknames of the 24 participating teams

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As the Africa Cup of Nations heats up in Morocco, the spotlight isn't just on the results and performances. Behind every national team lies a nickname—a true marker of identity, shaped by history, culture, or national symbolism.

These monikers, often animalistic or heroic, are much more than mere folklore. They embody a playing philosophy, a popular heritage, and a collective pride that fans wave like a banner at every match.

Nicknames of the 24 qualified teams:

South Africa: Bafana Bafana
Algeria: Fennecs
Angola: Palancas Negras
Benin: Cheetahs
Botswana: Zebras
Burkina Faso: Stallions
Cameroon: Indomitable Lions
Comoros: Coelacanths
Ivory Coast: Elephants
Egypt: Pharaohs
Gabon: Panthers
Equatorial Guinea: Nzalang Nacional
Mali: Eagles
Morocco: Atlas Lions
Mozambique: Mambas
Nigeria: Super Eagles
Uganda: Cranes
DR Congo: Leopards
Senegal: Lions of Teranga
Sudan: Sokoor Al-Jediane
Tanzania: Taifa Stars
Tunisia: Carthage Eagles
Zambia: Chipolopolos

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