They call themselves "Les Écureuils". The Squirrel. Benin's football association, however, is unhappy with the established since decades nickname of his national football team. Too small, too shy, too harmless. The discussion about the supposedly unfit fight name is by no means new, in 2008 there was the last attempt to find a more awesome name for the football selection. He failed - and the nimble rodent escaped again.
Now the association takes a new start. With the help of an internet questionnaire one wants to determine, which relation the followers really have to their kicking "squirrel". A nickname must ultimately embody both the national consciousness as well as the sporting ambitions of Benin justice, it says in the introduction.
Do you think that the name of a football team affects their performance or results? What qualities does such a name have to bring? (Choices: victory, strength, values of the country represent, courage, endurance, other) Which name would you wish for? Why? 18 questions that could kill the cute squirrel. The vote should run until 18 October.
In the midst of the most dangerous predators, after which the neighbors call their best footballers, the squirrels of Benin are actually rather the exception. Other African national teams are lions, eagles or elephants, are sharks, crocodiles or scorpions, are panthers, leopards or mambas. If bonds are taken in the animal kingdom, then it must be particularly large, fast or poisonous.
Toxic masculinity on the center circle
In Benin, on the other hand, an anxious croissant scurries up the tree with a fluffy tail - a croissant by the way, which is not even naturally native to this part of the earth.
AFP
Actually not native to West Africa: The squirrel
It sounds like an innocent little football anecdote, at first glance it is about a bandage looking for a new contemporary image. That in this story may not be what is not aggressive or imposing, but is unfortunately also a symbol of our time. Threatening gestures and war cries - only in this way do you think you can compete in the competition of the nations. Toxic masculinity on the center circle. Identity Policy Goes World Cup Qualification. Message: There is no room for escape animals.
It would be different: It is not as if the squirrel lived a virtuous life. It feeds laboriously, therefore brings along perseverance and diligence. It's fast, it climbs smoothly the highest treetops. It also provides for bad phases while the lion is still lazily dozing in the sun. All skills that are certainly not detrimental on the football field. And the cuteness factor helps with marketing.
Note: If the devil is a squirrel, a squirrel is the devil too.