Spain, Nigeria in Tug-of-War Over Rising Star Edna Imade — Falcons Coach Madugu Reveals Delay in Player’s Commitment

Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has disclosed that Spanish football authorities are actively trying to persuade Real Sociedad forward, Edna Imade, to pledge her international allegiance to Spain instead of Nigeria — a development that has delayed her debut for the 10-time African champions.

Madugu explained that despite multiple attempts to establish contact with the player, communication from Imade’s camp has remained unresponsive.

“I reached out to Edna two or three times because we want her to represent Nigeria,” Madugu told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. “I know some of her family members want her to play for us, but her agents and her club appear keen on convincing her to represent Spain.”

The coach added that his efforts to connect with the forward date back to her days at Granada, noting that even with the help of Nigerian players based in Spain, there has been no positive feedback. “She has to make that decision herself — whether to play for Nigeria or Spain. We’ve made our intentions clear and reached out through her agent and family, but we haven’t heard back,” he said.

Madugu confirmed that Imade holds a Nigerian passport but acknowledged Spain’s strong push to secure her commitment. “Yes, she’s a Nigerian by passport, but the Spanish authorities are working hard to have her play for them. Ultimately, it’s her choice, but we’ve made every effort to bring her into the Nigerian team,” he added.

Born on October 5, 2000, in Nigeria, the 25-year-old striker began her professional career in Spain with Málaga in 2019 before spells at CP Cacereño and Granada. She joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2025 and was immediately loaned to Real Sociedad for the 2025–26 season.

Imade recently drew attention after scoring the winning goal in Real Sociedad’s 1–0 victory over Liga F champions Barcelona — ending their 10-match unbeaten run and handing them their first away league defeat since May 2023.

Her growing reputation in Spain has now placed her at the centre of an international tug-of-war, as both Nigeria and Spain intensify efforts to secure the talented forward’s allegiance.