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

The news emerged after prominent Qatari media outlet SarkinFoto shared footage of the ceremony, prompting an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans across Nigeria and beyond.

Troost-Ekong, 33, currently plays for Al-Ahli in the Qatar Stars League, having previously had stints in Europe and Saudi Arabia. His embrace of Islam marks a profound milestone in his life in the Gulf region.

The defender has not issued a formal public statement explaining the personal factors behind his decision, but the video has resonated widely, with supporters celebrating what many describe as a courageous and deeply personal step.

A national hero off the pitch

The conversion adds another dimension to an already remarkable chapter in Troost-Ekong's life. The veteran centre-back cemented his legacy as a Super Eagles icon by captaining Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was also named Player of the Tournament.

As tributes and well-wishes continue to pour in, the former captain's journey — both on the pitch and beyond it — remains one of the most compelling stories in Nigerian football.