Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam after reciting the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar, where he currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al-Ahli.
The development was reported on Wednesday, September 23, by Qatari newspaper Al-Arab, which said the Nigerian defender announced his conversion after reciting the two testimonies of faith while in Doha.
A video showing Troost-Ekong reciting the Shahadah in Arabic has also circulated online. In the footage, the 33-year-old defender is seen repeating the declaration of faith, with reports identifying the moment as his formal entry into Islam.
The Shahadah is the Islamic declaration of faith and involves affirming the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.
Troost-Ekong has not publicly disclosed what influenced his decision to embrace Islam. Reports covering the development have so far focused on the recitation of the Shahadah and his announcement, without attributing a specific reason for his conversion.
The defender moved to the Gulf region in 2024, joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood before moving to Qatar. He signed for Al-Ahli in January 2026 on an 18-month contract. Reports say he has made 14 appearances for the club across competitions, including one appearance this season.
Troost-Ekong previously enjoyed a long career in European football, with spells in several leagues before his move to the Middle East.
Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, the defender chose to represent Nigeria at senior international level. He made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and went on to earn 83 caps and score eight goals for the country.
He became one of Nigeria’s most experienced defenders and represented the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Troost-Ekong played a central role as Nigeria reached the final. He scored three goals during the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament.
Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football in 2025 after a decade with the Super Eagles.
His conversion to Islam now marks a significant personal development in the former Nigeria captain’s life as he continues his football career in Qatar.
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