African Cup of Nations: Nigeria are ‘Super Eagles’ but do you know which country is nicknamed ‘Coelacanths’ after an ancient fish that was once thought to be extinct?

Mali, the Eagles

The eagle symbolizes strength and power for Malians. The team is hard to beat. Mali progressed to the last 16 with three straight draws.

Comoros, the Coelacanths

Taking part in just its second Africa Cup tournament, island nation Comoros’ nickname comes from an ancient fish that was thought to be extinct until living specimens were found off the coast of South Africa in 1938. They are now known to live in the sea around Comoros off the east coast of Africa to the northwest of Madagascar.

Zambia, Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets)

The Zambian team is named after one of the country’s biggest exports, copper, with the term bullets added to signify the team’s speed and danger.

Egypt, the Pharaohs (Group B)

Named after the ancient Egyptian leaders, now led by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs are among the top favorites to claim what would be a record-extending eighth Africa Cup title.

South Africa, Bafana Bafana

Meaning “the boys, the boys” in Zulu, Bafana Bafana was popularized as a term of endearment after the team’s readmission into competitions following the end of apartheid in the country. South Africa finished runner-up and next faces Cameroon on Sunday.

Angola, Palancas Negras (Black Sable Antelopes) The sable antelope is the national animal of Angola and can also be found on banknotes and stamps.

Zimbabwe, the Warriors

Named for the fighting sprit and resilience in the face of adversity displayed by the team from the landlocked country in Southeastern Africa.

Nigeria, the Super Eagles (Group C)

After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960, the Nigerian team played in green and
white kits to reflect the country’s flag. Previously known as the U.K. Tourists, the Red Devils (for their red jerseys) and then the Green Eagles with the change in kit after independence, the team became known as the Super Eagles in the 1980s.

Tunisia, the Carthage Eagles

Another team of eagles who look to the historic Phoenician republic of Carthage for inspiration. Near the present-day Tunisian capital Tunis, Carthage was one of the biggest cities in the world as its height of power when it controlled a swath of territory across northwestern Africa and southeastern Iberia, and the islands in-between.

Tanzania, Taifa Stars

Coming from the Swahili word for nation, Taifa brings together the best players from the mainland formerly known as Tanganyika and the island of Zanzibar. They merged to form Tanzania in 1964.

Uganda, the Cranes

Named after the grey crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird. It has featured on Uganda’s flag and coat of arms since the country became independent in 1962, and also before as a protectorate of the British Empire.

Senegal, Teranga Lions (Group D)

“Teranga” means hospitality in the Wolof language spoken in Senegal and parts of neighboring countries. But these lions are only hospitable off the field, finishing top of the group.

Congo, the Leopards

Leopards are central to Congolese culture and have been since antiquity, featuring on the country’s coat of arms and the team’s crest.

Benin, the Cheetahs

Benin’s team used to be known as the Squirrels until the country’s soccer federation felt in 2022 that a change was needed to reflect a more assertive, speedier, perhaps even fearsome attitude. It wanted an “evocative and respectable” nickname.

Botswana, the Zebras

Named after the national animal of Botswana. Ultimately, the Zebras didn’t earn enough stripes to make it to the knockout round.

Algeria, the Fennec Foxes (Group E)

Named after the small desert foxes, the smallest foxes in the world, that manage to survive in the Sahara and other arid environments across north Africa.

Burkina Faso, the Stallions

Two stallions feature on the country’s coat of arms, a reference to the story of Yennenga, a warrior-princess who left her kingdom when her father would not let her marry. Yennenga met a hunter, Rialé, with whom she had a son, Ouédraogo, which means stallion in honor of the white horse that Yennenga traveled on.

Sudan, the Falcons of Jediane

The name refers to the secretary bird found in much of Sudan and across the open grasslands of the sub-Saharan region. It features on the country’s coat of arms.

Equatorial Guinea, National Thunder

Unfortunately, it didn’t strike in Morocco, where the team was eliminated after just two games and ultimately lost all three.

Ivory Coast, the Elephants (Group F)

The defending champions get their nickname from the forest elephants that used to be widespread in the country. They feature on the coat of arms. The country itself derives its name from the ivory trade. There are still elephants in Ivory Coast, but not as many as before.

Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions

As if lions aren’t fearsome enough already, the five-time champions were undefeated in its group with two wins and a draw.

Mozambique, the Mambas

Named after the highly venomous and fast snakes found in the sub-Saharan Africa. The black mamba found in Mozambique is one of the most feared of all the mambas and can strike when antagonized.

Gabon, the Panthers

The black panther is the national animal of Gabon and it features on the crest of the country’s soccer federation, while there are two of them on the country’s coat of arms.