Today is Sunday; it is a Sunday like no other. It a day set aside for the kickoff of the 33rd edition of Africa’s most prestigious tournament, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) .
This tournament over the years has not only served as a unifying platform for African countries but has also served as a welcome arena for her teaming players scattered across the globe to converge and showcase their skills on behalf of their countries.
One unique thing about African countries and their national teams is the naming of teams after various animals of great prowess from lions to fishes, from Tigers to birds. Aside from the Pharaohs of Egypt who derive their names from the ancient kings and Sierra Leone nicknamed Leone stars, the remaining 22 teams competing in this year’s edition bear the names of animals, birds or fishes. Again the unique thing about the animals after which the teams are named is that they are neither weak nor disadvantaged, rather they are known to soar above competitors in show of supremacy.
Speaking figuratively you could say it is a case of ‘Rumble in Animal kingdom’. The Eagle for instance is not just a bird but one that soars above the sky with sharp eyes and strong wings and legs.
When it lands to attack a prey, it does it with such precision and speed that anyone watching the action will be wowed. What about the strength of the lion, Tigers and the Stallions in competition and even during hunting.
Does anyone simply dive into Shark infested waters and expect to have a jolly good swim? Thus every team on ground in Cameroon is Strong and determined so no one expects to have a tea party in the jungle.
The battle begins today with hosts indomitable lions of Cameroon taking on Walia Ibex of Ethiopia. Again if we are to speak figuratively do you expect a clash between a lion and Walia Ibex (interpreted to mean wild goat with its very strong horn capable of inflicting serious injury to would be attacker, to take place without the grass suffering terribly? Do you indeed expect the victor to emerge without bruises?
The second match of the day would see Stallions of Burkina Faso face Blue Sharks of Cape Verde. Should anyone expect that to be an easy ride?
The African Cup of Nations is a very unique championship, if you are not thrilled by the skills of African brothers who converge to battle for honours, then you must be tickled by the unique name of the competing teams and if you are not thrilled by that then the cultural touch that comes with it as even seen from the display by the fans should give your eyes something to feed on.
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In case you have forgotten, here is a rundown of nicknames of the 24 teams who begin the quest for glory from today in Cameroon.
Cameroon -Indomitable lions
Senegal -Teranga Lions
Algeria – Desert foxesThe Fennec Foxes
Comoros -Les Coelacantes
Mali -The Eagles
Tunisia – Carthage Eagles
Burkina faso -Stallions
Guinea -syli nationale or national elephants
Gabon -Les Panthers
Gambia -Scopions
Egypt-The Pharaohs
Ghana- Black stars
Equitorial Guinea-Nzalang Nacional (National Thunder)
Zimbabwe-The Warriors
Ivory Coast -Elephants
Morocco-The Atlas Lions
Nigeria -Super Eagles
Sudan-Falcons of Jediane
Malawi-Flames
Ethiopia-Walia ibex (wild goat with strong horns
Mauritania-Al-Murabitun (Lions of Chinguetti)
Guinea Bissau- Djurtus (wild dogs)
Cape Verde-Blue Sharks
Sierra Leon- Leone Stars
