The future of Edna Imade, the in-form Real Sociedad Women forward on loan from FC Bayern Munich, has become a major talking point following fresh revelations by Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu.

In an exclusive shared by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Madugu explained the national team’s ongoing efforts to convince the rising star to represent Nigeria, amid reports that Spain is also pushing for her allegiance, Footballrover reports.

Madugu: “We want Edna Imade to play for Nigeria”

Speaking after Nigeria’s 1–1 draw with Benin Republic in Abeokuta—a result that sealed the Falcons’ 3–1 aggregate win and qualification for the 2026 WAFCON—Madugu confirmed that Imade holds a Nigerian passport, though the Spanish federation is reportedly eager to fast-track her eligibility to represent La Roja.

Coach Madugu revealed that he personally reached out several times to Imade in an effort to convince the Real Sociedad Women forward to represent Nigeria at the international level.

Madugu explained that both he and members of his technical team made “multiple approaches” to the player while she was still with Granada before her move to Real Sociedad.

According to the coach, the Super Falcons have been proactive in showing interest in the 25-year-old striker, who is also eligible to play for Spain.

He revealed that although members of Imade’s family are in favour of her representing Nigeria, her agents and club have been encouraging her to consider committing to Spain instead.

“I made approaches to Edna. We want her to come and play for Nigeria. I tried two or three times to get feedback because I know her family wants her to play for Nigeria. But her agents and the team she plays for are trying to get her to play for Spain.

It’s not something we can decide for her. She has to make that choice herself. We made our intentions clear, but we didn’t get a response from her camp.”

Madugu said he had also enlisted some Super Falcons players based in Spain to speak with Imade directly in hopes of establishing contact.

However, despite those efforts, he confirmed that the national team has not received any response from her camp.

Madugu stressed that while Nigeria has made its interest clear, the final decision rests entirely with the player.

“It’s not something we can impose — she has to decide whether she wants to play for Nigeria or Spain.”

Spain’s growing interest puts pressure on Nigeria’s hopes

Madugu’s remarks shed light on a delicate tug-of-war between Nigeria and Spain for the 25-year-old striker, who has been in red-hot form for Real Sociedad this season.

Imade is yet to publicly declare her international preference. Her strong performances in Liga F—including a match-winning goal against Barcelona Women—have reportedly intensified Spain’s interest in securing her commitment.

For the Super Falcons, losing a talent like Imade to Spain would be a major blow, especially given her growing profile and proven ability in Europe.

But as Madugu emphasised, the decision ultimately rests with the player herself.

Imade remains eligible for both nations, and her next move could define one of the most intriguing international stories in African women’s football this year.

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Last Updated on November 3, 2025 2:23 pm by footballrover