Sports

Former Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong Converts to Islam in Qatar

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24 minutes ago

September 24, 2026

Ohanaeze Commends Tinubu, Umahi Over Niger Bridge Repairs, Demands Urgent Action on Owerri–Aba Road The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the Federal Government’s intervention on the First Niger Bridge, while calling for similar urgency in rehabilitating the Owerri–Aba Expressway. In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, 2026, and signed by Deputy President General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Acting Secretary General Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, the group described the rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge as evidence that critical infrastructure can receive emergency government attention when necessary. The organisation’s position comes after Umahi inspected ongoing rehabilitation work on the bridge on Wednesday and said the facility would not be reopened until critical structural works were completed. The bridge, linking Anambra and Delta states, was closed on September 7 after vandalised bolts, nuts and portions of its expansion-joint steelwork were discovered. The original September 21 reopening date was extended by one week because of persistent rainfall. Umahi subsequently said the bridge was expected to reopen next week, subject to completion of the outstanding works and safety requirements. Ohanaeze: Niger Bridge intervention deserves recognition Ohanaeze said the First Niger Bridge is more than a physical structure, describing it as an important transportation and economic link between the South-East and South-South regions. According to the organisation, the bridge supports the movement of passengers, agricultural products, manufactured goods and commercial traffic, making its condition important to regional economic activity. The group particularly praised the decision to prioritise structural safety rather than rush the reopening. Umahi said the vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while the specialised expansion joint removed from the bridge had been manufactured and brought into the country for installation. He also directed additional works, including repainting, installation of solar-powered streetlights, completion of CCTV surveillance and further structural assessment. Ohanaeze said the intervention demonstrated the importance of combining infrastructure rehabilitation with security and long-term maintenance. Group asks Tinubu, Umahi to turn attention to Owerri–Aba Having commended the Federal Government's action on the First Niger Bridge, Ohanaeze called for similar attention to the Owerri–Aba Expressway. The organisation said the condition of sections of the highway was a concern to motorists, transport operators, traders, manufacturers, commuters and other road users. It argued that the Owerri–Aba corridor plays an important role in connecting Owerri and Aba and supporting commercial transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, inter-city trade and other economic activities. Ohanaeze said deterioration of the road could increase vehicle maintenance costs, journey times and logistics expenses while placing additional pressure on road users. The group therefore appealed to Umahi to personally inspect the highway and undertake a technical assessment of the sections requiring emergency repairs or comprehensive rehabilitation. ‘Owerri–Aba now deserves urgency’ Ohanaeze urged the Federal Ministry of Works to determine the specific engineering problems affecting the road, including pavement failures, drainage issues and traffic-safety concerns, and develop an appropriate intervention plan. The organisation said the government should not wait until deteriorating infrastructure becomes a larger emergency before taking action. “The First Niger Bridge has shown what urgency can achieve; Owerri–Aba should now receive the same urgency,” the group stated. Ohanaeze also said its commendation of the government was not intended to prevent it from raising concerns over infrastructure challenges affecting the South-East. “Where government performs, we shall acknowledge it. Where government responds to emergencies, we shall commend it. But where urgent infrastructure problems remain unresolved, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will continue to speak,” the organisation said. ‘Ndigbo are not asking for favour’ The group concluded by urging President Tinubu and Umahi to make the Owerri–Aba Expressway a matter of urgent technical assessment and intervention. It said its demand was not for preferential treatment but for safe roads, durable infrastructure and appropriate attention to a strategic federal highway. “NDIGBO ARE NOT ASKING FOR FAVOUR. NDIGBO ARE ASKING FOR SAFE ROADS, DURABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FAIR ATTENTION TO A STRATEGIC FEDERAL HIGHWAY,” the statement said. The organisation reiterated its appreciation for the ongoing First Niger Bridge rehabilitation while stressing that infrastructure renewal should extend to other critical roads across the region.

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Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has converted to Islam after reciting the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar, according to reports from Qatari newspaper Al-Arab.

The development was reported on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with a video of the Nigerian defender reciting the two testimonies of faith in Arabic subsequently circulating on social media. Multiple reports have cited Al-Arab as the source of the announcement.

The 33-year-old footballer currently plays for Al-Ahli SC in the Qatar Stars League, having joined the club in January 2026 after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Kholood.

Troost-Ekong recites Shahadah in Doha

The Shahadah is the Islamic declaration of faith and its recitation is the central step associated with formally embracing Islam.

In the video circulating online, Troost-Ekong is seen reciting the Shahadah in Arabic before declaring his acceptance of Islam.

The news has generated considerable attention among Nigerian football supporters, Al-Ahli fans and football followers across Qatar and the wider Arab world.

However, Troost-Ekong has not publicly explained what influenced his decision to convert to Islam. The reports confirming the development do not provide details about his personal reasons or when he began considering the faith.

It is therefore important not to speculate about the reasons behind his decision.

Troost-Ekong’s career in Qatar

Troost-Ekong’s conversion comes during his second season playing football in the Gulf region.

After beginning his professional career in Europe, the defender played for clubs including FC Groningen, FC Dordrecht, Gent, Bursaspor, Udinese, Watford, Salernitana and PAOK before moving to Saudi Arabia.

He joined Al-Kholood in 2024 and subsequently moved to Qatar’s Al-Ahli in January 2026. Reports indicate that he has made 14 appearances for Al-Ahli across competitions, including one appearance in the current season.

Troost-Ekong’s Super Eagles legacy

Troost-Ekong remains one of the most prominent Nigerian defenders of his generation.

He made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and went on to earn 83 senior international appearances, while also serving as captain of the national team.

He represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

His most memorable international campaign came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria during the tournament and helped the Super Eagles reach the final.

Troost-Ekong scored three goals during the competition and was named Player of the Tournament, despite Nigeria eventually losing the final to the hosts, Côte d’Ivoire.

Retirement from international football

The defender announced his retirement from international football in December 2025 after a decade representing Nigeria.

In his retirement message, Troost-Ekong described playing for Nigeria as a great privilege and said his support for the Super Eagles would continue beyond his playing career.

His decision to embrace Islam now represents a significant personal development in the life of the former Nigeria captain, who continues his club career in Qatar.

For now, the confirmed information is that Troost-Ekong recited the Shahadah and embraced Islam in Doha. Neither the player nor his representatives has publicly provided further details about the circumstances or motivation behind the decision.

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