A growing tug of war has emerged between Nigeria and Spain over the international future of Edna Imade, the talented Bayern Munich loanee currently shining for Real Sociedad in Spain’s top-flight women’s league.
Imade, 25, is eligible to represent three countries — Morocco, where she was born; Nigeria, through her parents; and Spain, where she has lived for over two decades. Despite her impressive form in the Spanish Liga F, the forward is yet to make her senior international debut.
The Spanish women’s national team coach, Sonia Bermúdez, has confirmed that Imade remains a strong prospect for La Roja, but revealed that bureaucratic hurdles are delaying her Spanish citizenship process.
“We’re in the process of getting her to join us; we just need to sort out some paperwork,” Bermúdez told Spanish outlet Tele Madrid. “She’s a player we want to be with Spain. We’re obviously keeping her in mind.”
Bermúdez was reportedly at Zubieta earlier this month to personally scout Imade during Real Sociedad’s clash with Levante UD, but the forward was ultimately left out of Spain’s UEFA Women’s Nations League squad against Sweden due to unresolved nationality documentation.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, has also confirmed the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) interest in securing the forward’s allegiance. He disclosed that efforts had been made to reach out through her club and other players in Spain.
“She had an excellent season with Granada and is doing well at Real Sociedad,” Madugu told ACL Sports. “Despite our efforts, writing to her club and reaching out through players in Spain, she’s yet to make up her mind. Whatever she decides, we respect her decision.”
Madugu further hinted that the player had previously shown interest in representing Nigeria before Spain’s growing attention complicated discussions.
“I was reliably informed she was initially keen on playing for Nigeria. I just hope her representatives aren’t making things difficult due to the reported interest from Spain. We value her talent and would gladly give her the chance to represent her fatherland,” he said.
