Meet Edna Imade: The bold new face set to ignite Nigeria’s football legacy
As Nigeria’s Super Falcons look towards a new era, one name stands out as a potential leader for their next generation of strikers: Edna Imade. With a legacy forged by legendary goal-scorers such as Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha, and Asisat Oshoala, the Falcons need a new offensive powerhouse. And Imade, a young forward making waves in Spain, might be the answer to their call.
Edna’s story begins in Benin City, Nigeria, in 2000. Her parents embarked on a dangerous journey to seek a better life, crossing the Sahara Desert while her mother was pregnant with her and her twin brother, Paul. After enduring unimaginable challenges, they reached Morocco, where Edna was born, before journeying to Spain. Life in Spain was not easy. Detained and eventually deported, her father was forced to leave, leaving her mother to raise the twins alone. Struggling with no connections or language skills, her mother’s resilience and a helping hand from a kind-hearted Kenyan nun saw them through the hardships of settling in Seville.
Finding Hope and Stardom in Football
Amidst financial struggles, Edna found an outlet: football. Raised in Seville, she embraced her surroundings and honed her skills. Playing alongside boys from age six in Carmona and later shining in indoor football leagues, she soon became known for her goal-scoring prowess. Her potential was evident, scoring nearly 100 goals in two seasons for Nervión in the Andalusian women’s division.
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In 2019, Edna made her mark in professional football with Málaga CF Femenino and continued to excel with Cacereño Femenino. Her combination of speed, strength, and tactical awareness quickly garnered attention. Today, she dons the Granada CF jersey, where she has become a fan favourite, scoring crucial goals and lighting up the Reto Iberdrola league.
With the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are undergoing a transformation under coach Justin Madugu. Edna Imade’s story, talent, and resilience make her a perfect fit for this evolving squad. Her possible call-up would not only provide a potent attacking threat but also offer a chance to connect with her Nigerian heritage—a connection she has yet to fully explore, despite keeping ties with her family back in Benin City.
For the Super Falcons, Imade’s journey represents hope—a powerful reminder of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable Nigerian spirit. As she continues to electrify Spain’s football leagues, Imade might just be the spark Nigeria needs to continue their legacy at the pinnacle of African women’s football.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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