Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong embraces Islam after reciting Shahadah in Qatar

Former Nigeria 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.

The 33-year-old defender reportedly made the declaration of faith during his stay in the Qatari capital, with local newspaper Al-Arab reporting on Wednesday that he had announced his conversion after reciting the two testimonies of faith.

A video of Troost-Ekong reciting the Shahadah has since emerged on social media, attracting attention from Muslim communities and football followers. Muslim scholar Dr Muhammad Salah also shared the footage on Facebook and described the Nigeria international as having embraced Islam.

The development has also been reported by international media outlets, including Moroccan sports publication Elbotola and Egyptian newspaper Youm7, both of which reported that Troost-Ekong had recited the Shahadah.

Shahadah recited in Doha

Troost-Ekong is currently based in Doha, where he joined Al-Ahli in January 2026 after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood.

He signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with the Qatar Stars League club as he continued his professional career in the Gulf region.

His reported conversion comes during his time in Qatar, a country where Islam is the state religion and where the former Super Eagles captain has continued to feature at club level.

The Shahadah is the Islamic declaration of faith. Reciting it with sincere belief is regarded as the formal declaration through which a person enters Islam.

The footage circulating online shows Troost-Ekong reciting the declaration, with his reported decision subsequently receiving coverage beyond Qatar.

A decorated Nigeria international

Away from the latest development in his personal life, Troost-Ekong has built a distinguished career with Nigeria and is regarded as one of the country’s most experienced defenders of the past decade.

He has earned more than 70 caps for the Super Eagles and has captained the national team at major international tournaments.

One of the defining moments of his international career came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where Nigeria reached the final.

Troost-Ekong played a central role in the Super Eagles’ run to the final and scored three goals during the tournament, including Nigeria’s goal in the final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire.

His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award despite Nigeria ultimately losing the final to the hosts.

The defender has also represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games, adding further experience to an international career that has spanned more than a decade.

Continuing career in Qatar

Troost-Ekong’s reported conversion represents a significant personal development as he continues his football career in Doha.

The former Super Eagles captain remains under contract with Al-Ahli, having moved to the Qatar Stars League earlier this year after his spell in Saudi Arabia.

While his decision to embrace Islam has attracted considerable attention online, it remains a personal development separate from his professional football career.

Troost-Ekong continues to combine his role as an experienced defender with life in Qatar, where his latest chapter has now included a reported change in faith.