Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has reportedly converted to Islam while in Qatar.
The Nigerian defender, who currently plays for Al-Ahli in the Qatar Stars League, was seen in a video reciting the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith. The footage has been widely shared on social media and has generated reactions from football fans across Nigeria and beyond.
According to reports from Qatar, the 33-year-old completed the conversion in Doha. However, no official details have been provided regarding what influenced his decision, and Troost-Ekong has not publicly spoken about the development.
The former Nigeria captain remains one of the most respected defenders of his generation. Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, Troost-Ekong chose to represent Nigeria at international level and went on to become a key figure for the Super Eagles.
During his international career, he earned more than 80 caps, captained Nigeria at major tournaments and played an important role in the team’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. He was also widely praised for his leadership and consistency in the national team.
At club level, Troost-Ekong has played in the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Turkey, Italy, England, Greece, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He joined Al-Ahli earlier this year after previous spells with Al-Kholood, PAOK, Watford and Udinese.
The reported conversion marks a significant personal moment in the life of the experienced defender. While football fans continue to discuss the news, Troost-Ekong is expected to remain focused on his career in Qatar as he enters the next chapter of his life on and off the pitch.
