WAFCON: Copper Queens, Super Falcons? The origin and meaning behind the nicknames of the teams

In African football, team nicknames are more than just catchy monikers, they’re cultural symbols, storytelling tools, and declarations of national identity.

Men’s national teams have long led the way with some of the continent’s most iconic titles. From the unyielding spirit of Cameroon’s “Indomitable Lions” to the soaring strength of Nigeria’s “Super Eagles,” these nicknames are loaded with meaning. They're often inspired by animals, historical legacies, or vivid metaphors, each one offering a glimpse into how a nation sees its team, and by extension, itself.

Africa’s women’s teams have largely followed suit, often adopting the feminine form of their male counterparts’ names. But in some cases, they’ve blazed their own trail with new names that speak to the unique identity of the women’s sides.

With eight teams ready to battle it out in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), being held in 2025, here’s a look at the meaning, history, and power behind their nicknames.

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