Namibia’s national football team, the Brave Warriors, has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Tunisia. Right-back Ryan Nyambe has withdrawn from the squad due to ongoing rehabilitation treatment, joining Ananias Gebhardt, who recently announced his retirement from international football.
Nyambe, who was initially listed among the pre-selected players, has been sidelined due to his current rehab commitments.
His absence follows Gebhardt’s decision to end his international career, further complicating Coach Collin Benjamin’s plans as the team gears up for pivotal matches.
“Ananias is no longer part of the group and he must be applauded for the work he has done over the years. Ryan Nyambe has communicated that he will not be available because he is in rehab.
It is a small blow, but we remain optimistic because we have a young team eager to play and win, and we will work with that,” Coach Collin Benjamin stated to Namibia Football Association media.
The Brave Warriors are currently regrouping to prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
They will first face the Lone Stars of Liberia on June 5, followed by a match against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on June 9.
These matches are critical for Namibia as they seek to solidify their position in the qualifiers.
Despite these setbacks, Namibia’s squad remains determined.
The team’s recent rise to second place in their group was bolstered by a FIFA ruling that awarded them three points from a match against Equatorial Guinea, following the latter’s sanction.
Nyambe’s withdrawal and Gebhardt’s retirement mean that Namibia will rely heavily on their younger players to step up in these important games.
The team’s focus will be on leveraging their youthful energy and enthusiasm to overcome the absence of their experienced players.
As the Brave Warriors prepare for their upcoming challenges, the resilience and adaptability of the squad will be put to the test.
The matches against Liberia and Tunisia will not only be crucial for their World Cup aspirations but will also serve as a testament to the depth and potential of Namibia’s footballing talent.
