Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong reportedly embraces Islam in Doha as video of him reciting the Shahadah circulates online

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has reportedly converted to Islam after reciting the Shahadah, the Islamic declaration of faith, in Doha, Qatar.

Reports of the 33-year-old defender’s conversion emerged on Wednesday, September 23, with a video showing Troost-Ekong reciting the Islamic testimonies of faith circulating widely online.

Qatari newspaper Al-Arab was among the first outlets to report the development, stating that the Nigerian international announced his conversion after pronouncing the Shahadah in Doha.

Islamic scholar Dr Muhammad Salah also shared footage of Troost-Ekong reciting the declaration of faith.

Troost-Ekong currently plays for Qatar Stars League side Al-Ahli, having joined the Doha-based club in January 2026 following his departure from Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood.

The defender has enjoyed a career across Europe and the Middle East, representing clubs including Udinese, Watford, Salernitana and PAOK.

His international career with Nigeria spanned a decade. Troost-Ekong represented the Super Eagles from 2015 to 2025, making 83 appearances and scoring eight goals.

He captained Nigeria during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles reached the final. Troost-Ekong scored three goals during the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament.

The circumstances surrounding his decision to embrace Islam have not been fully established. However, Al Jazeera cited a statement attributed to Sheikh Mansour bin Nasser Al-Khaldi, who said Troost-Ekong's Muslim friends at Al-Ahli played a role in introducing him to Islam.

The footballer had also previously spoken about learning Arabic during his time playing in Saudi Arabia.

His reported conversion has since generated significant attention among Nigerian football fans and on social media, particularly given his status as a former Super Eagles captain and one of Nigeria's prominent international defenders.