Spain have won the race to lock down the international future of high-flying striker Edna Imade, beating Nigeria in a closely watched eligibility battle, according to Soccernet.ng.
Imade — born in Morocco to Nigerian parents and raised in Spain — had long been identified by the Nigeria Football Federation as a potential Super Falcons standout. Earlier in the year, she held neither Spanish nor Moroccan citizenship, a situation that left Nigeria in a strong position to bring her into their squad.
She was even in contention for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, though head coach Justine Madugu ultimately left her out of the final selection. Behind the scenes, Imade was believed to be open to representing Nigeria, and Madugu publicly confirmed she was part of his long-term plans after WAFCON.
However, Spain intensified their pursuit over recent weeks, fast-tracking the paperwork needed to make her eligible. Their efforts succeeded: Imade has now been named in Spain’s 25-player squad for the UEFA Women’s Nations League final, a development that effectively closes the door on Nigeria’s hopes of securing her international allegiance.
The 25-year-old is one of nine forwards called up. Her club form explains the interest — she has scored seven goals in eight matches in the current 2025–26 Liga F season. This follows a steady rise that began with five goals in her first top-flight campaign, then an explosive 16-goal season in 2024–25 that convinced Bayern Munich to sign her on a four-year contract. She is currently on loan at Real Sociedad and is expected to join Bayern permanently in 2026. To date, she has 28 Liga F goals.
For Nigeria, losing Imade is a major setback. Her profile would have brought added depth and finishing quality to a Falcons attack preparing to defend their WAFCON title next year — a tournament tied directly to World Cup qualification.
Even so, Madugu still has strong options. Gift Monday continues to shine for Washington Spirit in the NWSL, Joy Omewa recently earned her first senior cap, and Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo remain dependable contributors.
Why Nigeria couldn’t secure Edna Imade
Speaking before Spain finalised her switch, Madugu revealed that Spanish authorities were pushing aggressively to win her over, complicating Nigeria’s attempts.
“I reached out to Edna. We want her to play for Nigeria,” Madugu told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. “I tried multiple times to get feedback because I knew some people in her family preferred Nigeria. But her agents and club have been working hard to steer her towards Spain.”
Efforts to reach her through her representatives and even Nigerian players in Spain produced no breakthrough. Though she already holds a Nigerian passport, Spain’s commitment behind the scenes was firm.
“She has to decide for herself,” Madugu added. “But Spain is doing everything possible to convince her.”
Born 5 October 2000, Imade began her senior career at Malaga, later featuring for CP Cacereño and Granada. One of her standout moments this season came when she scored the decisive goal in Real Sociedad’s shock 1–0 win over Barcelona, ending the champions’ 10-match unbeaten run and handing them their first away league loss since May 2023.
Her choice to represent Spain leaves Nigeria contemplating what could have been.
