By Habeeb Ibrahim
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam after reciting the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar.
The 33-year-old defender, who plays for Qatar Stars League side Al-Ahli, was reported to have declared his conversion while in Doha, according to Qatari newspaper Al-Arab.
A video circulating online shows Troost-Ekong reciting the two testimonies of faith in Arabic, formally declaring his entry into Islam. The development was also reported by Al Jazeera and other international outlets on Wednesday.
Troost-Ekong’s conversion comes months after he began his spell in Qatar, having joined Al-Ahli in January 2026 following his time with Saudi Arabian club Al-Khaleej.
Reports indicate that the Nigerian defender has made 14 appearances for Al-Ahli since joining the club, including one appearance in the current season.
Away from his club career, Troost-Ekong remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced defenders of the past decade.
He made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and went on to captain Nigeria, featuring at major international tournaments including the FIFA World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations and Olympic Games.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Troost-Ekong played a key role as Nigeria reached the final and was named the tournament’s Best Player by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He scored three goals during the tournament, including Nigeria’s opening goal in the final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, although the Super Eagles eventually lost 2-1.
Troost-Ekong has since retired from international football, ending a decade-long spell with Nigeria during which he earned more than 80 caps.
His decision to embrace Islam now marks a new chapter in his life away from the football pitch, with the announcement attracting attention among Nigerian football fans and supporters of his Qatari club.
