Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has reportedly converted to Islam. According to Qatari newspaper Al-Arab, Troost-Ekong recited the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar, where he currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al-Ahli. The Shahadah, also known as the declaration of faith, is a central profession of belief in Islam. Its recitation is associated with a person’s acceptance of the core Islamic testimony of faith.
A video purportedly showing Troost-Ekong reciting the Shahadah has surfaced on social media, generating considerable interest among Nigerian football supporters and Muslim communities. Muslim scholar Dr Muhammad Salah shared the video on Facebook and described the Nigerian defender as having embraced Islam. The development was reported by several international media outlets, including Moroccan sports publication Elbotola and Egyptian newspaper Youm7.
Troost-Ekong joined Al-Ahli in January 2026 on a one-and-a-half-year contract after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood. His move to Qatar followed a period in Saudi Arabia and added another Middle Eastern chapter to a professional career that has seen him play in several countries. The 33-year-old defender has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most experienced central defenders.
At international level, Troost-Ekong has made more than 70 appearances for Nigeria and has worn the captain’s armband during some of the country’s major football campaigns. He became a regular member of the national team and was part of Nigeria’s squads at major international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
One of the defining moments of his international career came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where Nigeria reached the final. Troost-Ekong played a prominent role throughout the tournament and scored three goals, including Nigeria’s goal in the final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire. His performances earned him the tournament’s Player of the Tournament award.
Troost-Ekong has also represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games, making him one of the country’s most experienced players of the past decade. His career with the Super Eagles has included periods of leadership, major tournament appearances and important defensive contributions. The reported embrace of Islam is a personal development outside his football career.
The development has attracted widespread attention because of Troost-Ekong’s profile as a former Super Eagles captain and his prominence in Nigerian football. Troost-Ekong remains contracted to Al-Ahli as he continues his professional career in the Qatar Stars League.
Key points
- Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has converted to Islam.
- Troost-Ekong recited the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar.
- The development has attracted widespread attention among Nigerian football supporters and Muslim communities.
