Spain Wins Race for Edna Imade as She Chooses La Roja Over Nigeria

Super Falcons interest in Real Sociedad forward Edna Imade has come to a halt the 25 year old has opted to represent Spain at the senior level. Imade has been included in Spain’s 25-player squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League doubleheader against Germany on November 28 and December 2. Her selection effectively closes the door on any future with Nigeria.

Born in Morocco to Nigerian parents from Benin City who migrated to Europe, Imade holds eligibility for both Nigeria and Spain. Currently on loan at Real Sociedad from Bayern Munich, her call-up means that should she make her debut for La Roja, she will be permanently tied to Spain under FIFA rules.

In earlier interviews, Imade expressed openness to playing for Nigeria but her form in Liga F has spoken loudest. She is currently third on the league’s scoring chart with seven goals and has also recorded three assists.

A defining moment came on November 2, when she calmly converted a penalty to end Barcelona’s 10-game unbeaten streak.  Her standout performances recently earned her the Liga F Player of the Month award. In Spain’s squad, Imade will be competing for a place alongside forwards like Claudia Pina, Alba Redondo, Esther González, and Eva Navarro.

Editorial 

In a move that resonates far beyond mere player selection, Edna Imade’s commitment to Spain over Nigeria is a moment of affirmation both for her own personal journey and for La Roja’s growing ambition. This is not simply the culmination of talent meeting opportunity it is the resolution of a long, winding tale of identity, migration, and belonging.

Imade’s rise is rooted in the contours of modern Europe: born in Morocco, raised in Spain, and connected to Nigeria by heritage. Her life story reflects the complexities of national identity in the 21st century. But football, as always, offers clarity. Through sheer merit, she has carved a path to the Spanish national team — not merely as a symbolic figure, but as a genuine contender.

From a tactical standpoint, her inclusion is shrewd. Spain already boasts a rich attacking pool, but Imade brings a fresh blend of athleticism, aerial prowess, and goal instinct. She is not a luxury pick — she is a strategic asset. Her penalty against Barcelona was not a fluke it spoke of a calmness and composure that mark top-level forwards.

For Nigeria, this is a bitter pill. The Super Falcons have long cast their net far and wide, yet this moment underscores a deeper challenge the need to not only identify talent but to persuade dual-eligible players that their future lies with the green and white. It is one thing to offer a call-up; another to match a player’s sense of belonging, vision, and career trajectory.

As for Imade, she now steps into a new chapter. The paperwork may have defined her eligibility, but her ambition will define her legacy. If she makes her debut for Spain against Germany, she won’t just be fulfilling a dream — she’ll be declaring where she belongs, at least in footballing terms. And in that declaration, she offers a powerful reminder in a globalised game, identity is as much a choice as it is a legacy.

Did You Know?

1. Edna Imade’s parents are originally from Benin City, Nigeria, but she was born in Morocco as her family journeyed to Europe.
2. She is currently on loan at Real Sociedad from Bayern Munich, with whom she signed a long-term contract.
3. Her decisive penalty on November 2 ended Barcelona Femení’s 10-game unbeaten streak — a rare blemish on one of women’s football’s dominant teams.
4. Imade previously won the Liga F Player of the Month award, highlighting her impact and consistency in Spain’s top division.
5. Nigeria’s coach, Justin Madugu, confirmed that the Super Falcons made multiple efforts — including direct outreach via players and agents — to convince Imade to represent Nigeria.