Spain Secures Rising Star Edna Imade as Nigeria Risks Losing Another Top Talent
Written by Alonge Akinlolu on 22 — 11
Spain has officially named Nigeria eligible forward Edna Imade in its squad for the UEFA Women’s Nations League final, marking a major blow to Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who have been monitoring the rising star closely.
Imade, who was born in Morocco to Nigerian parents and raised in Spain, received her first senior call up after being included in head coach Sonia Bermúdez’s list for the decisive Nations League clash. Her selection comes shortly after she secured Spanish citizenship, clearing the path for her international future with La Roja.
The 20 year old forward has been one of the standout performers in Liga F this season, scoring seven goals in eight matches while on loan at Real Sociedad from Bayern Munich, where she is contracted until 2029. Her rapid progress has made her one of the most closely watched young attackers in European women’s football.
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu confirmed that Nigeria had made several attempts to reach Imade and persuade her to represent her parents’ homeland. However, officials reportedly received little response before Spain moved decisively to secure her.
Imade’s background has also attracted attention: her mother endured a dangerous migration journey from Nigeria, travelling across the Sahara Desert and reaching Spain by boat while pregnant with Edna. This story, combined with her footballing rise, has amplified her public profile.
