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Rumble in the jungle: This is war, Let it begin!

 

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.

Host Cameroon open up today against Burkina Faso at the Olembe Stadium

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.

Walia ibex of Ethiopia begin quest against Blue Sharks of Cape Verde

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 great mascot so much to see and expect

The battle begins today with hosts indomitable lions of Cameroon taking on Stallions of Burkina Faso. Again if we are to speak figuratively do you expect a clash between a lion and Stallions, two very strong animals to take place without the grass suffering terribly? Do you indeed expect the victor to emerge without bruises?

(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?

The second match of the day would see Walia  ibex of Ethiopia  Blue Sharks of Cape Verde. Should anyone expect that to be an easy ride?

Something for everyone

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.

READ ALSOAFCON 2021: Okocha hands Super Eagles tips to stop Salah

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

 

 

 

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