Former Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Embraces Islam in Qatar

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam after reciting the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar, according to reports from the Qatari newspaper Al-Arab and several Nigerian and international media outlets.

A video circulating online shows the 33-year-old Nigerian defender reciting the Islamic declaration of faith in Arabic. Islamic scholar Dr Muhammad Salah also shared footage of the footballer on his verified Facebook account, describing Troost-Ekong as having embraced Islam.

The development comes while Troost-Ekong is playing for Qatar Stars League club Al-Ahli, which he joined in January 2026 after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Kholood. He previously spent time with clubs across Europe before moving to the Gulf region.

Troost-Ekong has not publicly provided details about what led to his decision to embrace Islam. Reports currently available confirm his recitation of the Shahadah but do not establish the personal circumstances or motivations behind the decision.

The defender has had a distinguished international career with Nigeria. He made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and went on to earn 83 caps and score eight goals before announcing his retirement from international football in 2025.

One of the defining periods of his international career came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria to the final and scored three goals. His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

Troost-Ekong also represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, becoming one of the country’s most experienced defenders before bringing his international career to an end.

His move to the Gulf had already brought him into closer contact with the region’s language and culture. During his time in Saudi Arabia, he spoke publicly about learning Arabic, while his professional career subsequently took him to Qatar.

The reported conversion has attracted considerable attention among Nigerian football supporters, particularly because of Troost-Ekong’s former position as Super Eagles captain and his prominent role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final.

For now, the confirmed public development is his recitation of the Shahadah and reported acceptance of Islam. Troost-Ekong has yet to issue a detailed public account of his religious journey or explain what influenced his decision.