Former Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Embraces Islam

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam after reciting the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar, where he plays for Qatar Stars League club Al-Ahli.

The development was reported on Wednesday by Qatari newspaper Al-Arab, saying the Nigeria international announced his conversion after reciting the two testimonies of faith during his stay in Doha.

A video showing Troost-Ekong reciting the Shahadah has since circulated on social media, with Muslim scholar Dr Muhammad Salah also sharing the footage on Facebook and describing the defender as having embraced Islam.

The development has subsequently been reported by other international media outlets, including Moroccan sports publication Elbotola and Egyptian newspaper Youm7, which also reported that the former Super Eagles captain had recited the Shahadah.

Troost-Ekong, 33, currently plays for Al-Ahli in Doha, having joined the Qatar Stars League side in January 2026 on a one-and-a-half-year contract following his departure from Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood.

The defender has enjoyed a distinguished international career with Nigeria, making more than 70 appearances for the Super Eagles and captaining the side at major tournaments.

He was a key member of Nigeria’s squad that reached the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named the tournament’s best player after scoring three goals, including in the final against the hosts.

Troost-Ekong has also represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games, establishing himself as one of the country’s most experienced defenders of the past decade.

His reported conversion to Islam marks a personal development away from the football pitch as he continues his professional career in Qatar.