Spain have moved decisively to secure the international future of prolific striker Edna Imade, beating Nigeria in a hard-fought tug-of-war for one of Europe’s most exciting forwards, Soccernet.ng reports.
Imade, born in Morocco to Nigerian parents and raised in Spain, had long been viewed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as a future Super Falcons star.
With no Spanish or Moroccan passport earlier this year, Nigeria were strongly positioned to bring her into their national-team setup. She even came close to making the final squad for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, before head coach Justine Madugu omitted her from the final list.
Behind the scenes, Imade had reportedly expressed a desire to play for Nigeria, with Madugu confirming that she was a key part of his long-term plans post-WAFCON. But Spain accelerated their efforts in recent weeks, clearing all bureaucratic obstacles to make her available for selection.
That push has now paid off. Imade has been named in Spain’s 25-woman squad for the UEFA Women’s Nations League final later this month, a significant milestone that effectively ends Nigeria’s hopes of securing her allegiance.
The 25-year-old is one of nine forwards selected. Her form this season has justified the attention: seven goals in eight matches in the 2025–26 Liga F season, and a growing reputation as a decisive striker.
It is a continuation of a steady upward trajectory. After scoring five league goals in her debut season in Spain’s top flight, she delivered 16 in the 2024–25 campaign, a breakout year that persuaded Bayern Munich to sign her on a four-year deal last summer. She is currently on loan at Real Sociedad and will join Bayern permanently in 2026.
For Nigeria, it represents a significant blow.
Imade, who currently boasts 28 Liga F goals overall, could have added depth, finishing power, and tactical variety to a Falcons attack preparing to defend their WAFCON title next year, with World Cup qualification tied to that tournament.
Still, Madugu will take solace in the talent at his disposal. Gift Monday has been in inspired form for Washington Spirit in the NWSL, Denmark-based Joy Omewa made her senior debut last month, while Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo continue to deliver reliably for the national team.
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How Nigeria missed out on Edna Imade
Speaking weeks before Spain’s final breakthrough, Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu disclosed that Spanish authorities had been actively pursuing Imade, complicating Nigeria’s attempts to secure her commitment.
“I made approaches to Edna. We want her to come and play for Nigeria,” Madugu told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. “I tried two or three times to get feedback because I knew some people in her family wanted her to represent Nigeria. But the agents around her, and the team she plays for, are really trying to see how they can get her to play for Spain.”
Attempts to reach out through her agent, and even through Nigerian players based in Spain, yielded no response. Madugu clarified that although Imade holds a Nigerian passport, Spain’s determination behind the scenes was unwavering.
“She has to make the decision for herself. But the Spanish authorities are doing everything possible to see how they can get her to play for them,” he added.
Born on 5 October 2000, she began her senior career at Malaga before moving to CP Cacereño and then Granada. Her standout moment this season came when she scored the winner in Real Sociedad’s shock 1–0 victory over Barcelona, ending the champions’ 10-match unbeaten run and handing them their first away league defeat since May 2023.
Imade’s decision to play for Spain’s will leave Nigeria reflecting on what might have been.
