Ryan Nyambe: Namibia defender reflects on Reading FC debut

Namibia national team defender Ryan Nyambe has reflected on his debut for English third-tier league side Reading FC, and how he wants to build on that performance.

The 28-year-old right-back completed his switch from English Football League (EFL) Championship side Derby County to the EFL League One team in the January transfer window.

RYAN IS A ROYAL 💙

We are delighted to announce the signing of Ryan Nyambe on loan for the rest of the 2025/26 campaign!

— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) January 21, 2026

He had struggled for game-time at Derby Country, making just seven appearances this season, largely due to the effects of injuries. Overall, he made 47 appearances for the Rams after joining them in the 2023 season.

The 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations representative for Namibian returned to action last Saturday in the 2-0 victory over Northampton FC.

Nyambe on Reading FC debut

Reflecting on his debut, Nyambe said he was looking forward to continued regular action in Saturday’s game against AFC Wimbledon FC.

“We got a good result in the last game so it’s about getting points on the board,” the former Blackburn Rovers star told RoyalsTV. “We have to be positive and take each game and look forward.

“The previous game was away, and you had to do your introduction and sing in front of the group, which was a good icebreaker. The lads are great, it’s a good group and they have made me feel so welcome. Travelling with the lads on the bus helps.”

The Brave Warriors defender, who is capped 17 times, shared his feeling of playing for the entire 90 minutes after months of inactivity.

“I played my last full match in August- so it had been a few months! Coming here and playing my first 90 minutes, it was quite tough, but I got through it and after that I felt fine. It’s about moving forward,” Nyambe added.

Wimbledon are in 16th place while Reading sit 10th in the EFL standings with 40 points from 28 games, lying 20 points behind leaders Cardiff City. Nyambe will surely contribute to the push for a top-four finish and ignite the flame for a remote hope for Championship play-off.