Former Super Eagles captain and Al-Ahli defender embraces Islam in Doha as video of him reciting the Islamic declaration of faith emerges.
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam after reciting the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar.
The 33-year-old Nigerian defender, who currently plays for Al-Ahli in the Qatar Stars League, was seen in a video reciting the Islamic declaration of faith in Arabic before formally declaring his acceptance of Islam.
The development was first reported by Qatari newspaper Al-Arab on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with footage of Troost-Ekong reciting the Shahadah subsequently circulating online.
Reports indicate that the former Super Eagles captain also expressed interest in reading more and learning about Islam. However, he has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind his decision to embrace the faith.
Troost-Ekong made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and went on to earn 83 senior international caps. He represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
He captained Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
After a decade representing Nigeria, Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football in 2025.
The defender has continued his professional career in the Middle East and currently plays for Al-Ahli in Qatar.
