William Troost-Ekong Reportedly Converts To Islam In Qatar

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 side Al-Ahli.

Reports from Qatar said the 33-year-old Nigerian defender declared his acceptance of Islam after reciting the two testimonies of faith. A video circulating on social media shows Troost-Ekong reciting the Shahadah in Arabic, with the footage subsequently attracting widespread attention among football supporters in Nigeria, Qatar and beyond.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the development was first reported by Qatar’s Al-Arab newspaper, while footage of the former Super Eagles captain’s declaration was also shared online by Islamic scholars and other accounts. The reports indicate that Troost-Ekong expressed an interest in learning more about Islam following the declaration of faith.

Troost-Ekong has not publicly provided details about what influenced his decision to embrace Islam. Available reports have confirmed his recitation of the Shahadah but have not established the specific reasons behind his decision.

The defender currently represents Al-Ahli in Qatar after previously playing for clubs across Europe and the Middle East. He joined the Qatari side in January 2026 after a spell in Saudi Arabia, continuing a career that has included stops in several European leagues.

Troost-Ekong enjoyed a distinguished international career with Nigeria, earning 83 senior caps between 2015 and 2025 before announcing his retirement from international football. He represented the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, as well as the 2016 Olympic Games.

His most notable international campaign 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. He scored three goals during the competition, including goals from the penalty spot, although Nigeria ultimately lost 2-1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

The reported conversion marks a significant personal development for the experienced defender, whose football career continues in Qatar. The video of his Shahadah has since generated messages of congratulations and goodwill from football fans and supporters across different parts of the world.