Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam after reciting the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar.
The development was reported on Wednesday by Qatar’s Al-Arab newspaper, which said the Nigerian defender declared his conversion after reciting the two testimonies of faith while in Doha. A video showing Troost-Ekong reciting the Shahadah and announcing his entry into Islam has also circulated on social media.
The 33-year-old defender currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al-Ahli, having joined the side in January 2026 after his spell with Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood. He previously played for several clubs across Europe, including Udinese, Watford, Salernitana and PAOK.
Troost-Ekong’s conversion marks a personal development away from the football pitch, although he has not publicly explained what influenced his decision to embrace Islam. Reports currently available confirm his recitation of the Shahadah but do not establish the reasons behind his decision.
The defender enjoyed a distinguished international career with Nigeria, earning 83 senior caps and scoring eight goals between 2015 and 2025. He also served as captain of the Super Eagles and represented the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
One of the highlights of his international career came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria to the final and was named Player of the Tournament. Troost-Ekong also scored three goals during the competition.
He announced his retirement from international football in December 2025 after a decade with the Super Eagles.
Troost-Ekong’s move to Qatar has also placed him in an environment where he has continued his professional career in the Middle East. His conversion to Islam now marks another significant chapter in his life away from the football pitch.
