Qatari newspaper Al-Arab, reported that the Nigeria international declared his conversion after reciting the two testimonies of faith.
A video of the 33-year-old defender reciting the Shahadah has also circulated on social media, drawing attention from football followers in Nigeria, Qatar and across the wider Muslim community.
Islamic scholar Dr Muhammad Salah shared the footage on Facebook and described Troost-Ekong as having embraced Islam.
Moroccan sports publication Elbotola and Egyptian media outlet Youm7 also subsequently reported the development, citing the recitation of the Shahadah as confirmation of the reported conversion.
The Shahadah, or declaration of faith, is the central testimony through which a person affirms belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. Its recitation is traditionally regarded as the formal declaration of entering Islam.
Neither Troost-Ekong nor his representatives has publicly disclosed what influenced his decision. The available reports confirm that he recited the Shahadah and announced his conversion, but do not provide details about the circumstances or personal reasons behind the decision.
Troost-Ekong joined Al-Ahli in January 2026 after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood. The Qatar-based club announced his arrival on a one-and-a-half-year contract, describing him as an experienced defender whose previous career included spells in several European leagues and the Saudi league.
His move to Qatar followed an extensive club career that has taken him through football in England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Turkey, Italy, Greece and Saudi Arabia.
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He developed through youth football in England before beginning his senior career in Europe and later establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s leading central defenders.
At international level, Troost-Ekong represented Nigeria for a decade, making his senior debut in 2015. He went on to earn 83 caps and score eight goals for the Super Eagles, while becoming a regular presence in Nigeria’s defence and later taking on the captaincy.
He represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and featured in several Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. He also represented the country at the Olympic Games, contributing to a national-team career that established him as one of Nigeria’s most experienced defenders of his generation.
His most notable international tournament came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Troost-Ekong captained Nigeria as the Super Eagles advanced to the final, where they lost 2-1 to the host nation.
Despite Nigeria’s defeat in the final, Troost-Ekong was named the tournament’s Best Player by the Confederation of African Football.
He scored three goals during the competition, including Nigeria’s opening goal in the final. CAF’s official awards list confirmed him as the tournament’s Best Player.
Troost-Ekong subsequently announced his retirement from international football in December 2025, bringing an end to a 10-year Super Eagles career.
His departure followed a period in which he had become one of the most recognizable figures in the national team and had served as captain at major international tournaments.
His reported conversion to Islam now marks a significant personal development away from the football pitch as he continues his professional career with Al-Ahli in Qatar.
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