Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his conversion to Islam, generating significant reactions across Qatar and the wider Arab sporting community. The 33-year-old defender, currently playing for Qatar Stars League side Al-Ahli, reportedly embraced Islam after reciting the Shahada, the two testimonies of faith. A video of Ekong reciting the testimonies has been widely circulated on social media. This development marks a new chapter in the life of a prominent African footballer.
Ekong's conversion to Islam has attracted attention from football fans and sporting circles in Qatar and other parts of the Arab world. The Nigerian international has established himself as a prominent figure in the region, having played for several top-tier clubs. Ekong's career spans over a decade, with stints in various European leagues, including the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Turkey, Italy, and England. His experience and skills have made him a respected player in the football community.
Ekong began his senior professional career in 2013 and has since represented several clubs, including Udinese in Italy, where he played between 2018 and 2020. He later moved to England and spent three seasons with Watford from 2020 to 2023. In 2024, Ekong joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Khaleej before moving to Al-Ahli in Qatar in January 2026. Since joining Al-Ahli, Ekong has made 14 appearances across all competitions.
Ekong also enjoyed a distinguished international career with Nigeria, earning 83 caps for the Super Eagles between 2015 and 2025 and scoring eight goals. He played a key role in Nigeria's run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire, where the Super Eagles finished as runners-up. Ekong's performance in the tournament earned him recognition as the competition's Best Player.
As a key figure in Nigeria's defence, Ekong captained the team at various stages of his international career. He announced his retirement from international football last November following Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ekong's decision to embrace Islam now marks a significant change in his personal life.
The reaction to Ekong's conversion has been significant, with many fans and fellow players expressing their support and congratulations. Ekong's move to Islam has been seen as a personal milestone, and his fans are eager to see how this change will impact his life and career. As a prominent figure in the football community, Ekong's conversion has sparked a renewed interest in his life and career.
Ekong's future plans and how his conversion to Islam will impact his career remain to be seen. For now, he continues to play for Al-Ahli in the Qatar Stars League, having made one appearance in the current season. With his experience and skills, Ekong is expected to continue making significant contributions to his club and the football community at large.
Key points
- William Troost-Ekong has converted to Islam, marking a new chapter in his life as a prominent African footballer.
- Ekong's conversion has generated significant reactions across Qatar and the wider Arab sporting community.
- The 33-year-old defender has had a distinguished career, earning 83 caps for Nigeria and playing for top-tier clubs in Europe and the Middle East.
