FORMER SUPER EAGLES CAPTAIN WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG EMBRACES ISLAM IN QATAR

By: Pen Blog Media.
Date Published: Thursday, 24th September, 2026 | 12th Rabī'ul Akhīr.

Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong

FORMER Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam after reciting the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar, according to reports from Qatari and international media.

The 33-year-old Nigerian defender, who currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al-Ahli, was filmed reciting the two testimonies of faith in Arabic before declaring his acceptance of Islam.

Qatari newspaper Al-Arab reported the development on Wednesday, September 23, saying Troost-Ekong pronounced the Shahadah while in Doha.

The development was also reported by Al Jazeera, which published details of a video shared by Kuwaiti preacher and Islamic scholar Mansour bin Nasser Al-Khaldi showing Troost-Ekong reciting the Shahadah.

In the footage, Troost-Ekong is seen being guided through the declaration of faith before announcing his entry into Islam. Al Jazeera reported that he also expressed a desire to read and learn more about the religion.

Reports from Nigerian outlets, including Soccernet, The Sun Nigeria, P.M. News and Muslim News Nigeria, have subsequently confirmed the development, citing the Qatari report and the circulating video.

Details surrounding what led to Troost-Ekong's decision have not been independently explained by the footballer himself. Al Jazeera reported a statement from Al-Khaldi saying that Muslim friends at his club had helped introduce him to Islam and that Troost-Ekong had also read about the religion.

Troost-Ekong is currently continuing his club career in Qatar after joining Al-Ahli in January 2026. He previously played for clubs in England, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Netherlands, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.

His international career with Nigeria began in 2015 and lasted a decade. According to the Nigeria Football Federation, he made 83 appearances for the Super Eagles before announcing his retirement from international football in December 2025.

He captained Nigeria during its run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final in Côte d'Ivoire, scoring three goals during the tournament and receiving the Player of the Tournament award.

The announcement of his conversion has since attracted widespread reactions from football supporters and Muslim communities in Nigeria, Qatar and beyond, following the circulation of the video from Doha.

Pen Blog Media will continue to report significant developments involving Nigerian sports personalities based on verified statements and credible sources.

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