In a significant setback for Nigerian football, the Spanish Football Federation has successfully secured the international allegiance of rising star Edna Imade, effectively ending the Super Falcons' long-term pursuit of the talented striker.
A Dream Dashed for the Super Falcons
The 25-year-old forward, who was born in Morocco to Nigerian parents and raised in Spain, has received her first senior call-up to the Spanish national team for the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League final. This inclusion permanently closes the door on her representing Nigeria at the international level, a possibility the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had been actively working towards for years.
According to reports from Bold Sports, the NFF previously believed they were in a strong position to integrate Imade into the squad, especially as she initially lacked both Spanish and Moroccan passports. This made Nigeria her most viable route to international football. Her integration was considered such a priority that she nearly made the final squad for the delayed 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, before head coach Justine Madugu made a late decision to omit her.
Spain's Urgent Intervention
Behind the scenes, the situation shifted dramatically. While Imade had reportedly expressed a desire to play for Nigeria and her family was said to be leaning towards her representing her ancestral homeland, her club and agents were reportedly advocating for Spain. Coach Madugu had repeatedly described Imade as part of his long-term plans for the team after the WAFCON tournament.
However, Spanish football authorities moved with decisive urgency, fast-tracking her paperwork and eligibility process to ensure she would be available for their national team. This proactive approach ultimately tipped the scales in their favor, despite attempts by Nigeria-based players in Spain to contact her on the NFF's behalf.
The Rise of a Prolific Goal-Scorer
Spain's keen interest in Imade is hardly surprising given her meteoric rise in women's football. Her current form in the 2025/26 Liga F campaign has been exceptional, with seven goals in just eight matches according to Fotmob data.
Her trajectory has been consistently upward for three consecutive years. After a modest debut season in Spain's top flight with five goals, she exploded onto the scene with 16 league goals in the 2024/25 season. This breakout performance convinced German giants Bayern Munich to sign her on a four-year contract. She is currently on loan at Real Sociedad before joining the Bundesliga side permanently in 2026.
In total, Imade has scored 28 Liga F goals in her career. Her reputation was further enhanced when she scored the winning goal in Real Sociedad's stunning 1-0 victory over Barcelona earlier this season, a result that ended the champion's long away unbeaten streak.
Consequences for Nigerian Football
The loss of Edna Imade represents a major blow for the Super Falcons as they prepare to defend their WAFCON title next year, where World Cup qualification will also be at stake. Her absence removes a potentially transformative attacking option from the team's roster.
While Nigeria still boasts considerable talent with players like Gift Monday and Esther Okoronkwo, missing out on one of Europe's most in-form strikers will undoubtedly be felt. This episode highlights the intense global competition for dual-eligibility players and the need for swift, decisive action from football federations.
The Super Falcons must now regroup and focus on their existing squad as they build towards their title defense and the crucial World Cup qualifying campaign, without the services of a striker who could have significantly bolstered their attacking prowess.
