Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is set to continue his career in Qatar after agreeing a move to Al Ahli SC.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Nigerian defender is joining the Qatari side from Saudi club Al Kholood, with a contract that will run until June 2028.
Troost-Ekong only recently moved to Saudi Arabia after attracting interest from several clubs in the league, following his strong performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named Player of the Tournament as Nigeria finished runners-up.
Ekong with his AFCON 2023 MVP award. Photo Credit: CAF
Reports indicate that a transfer fee of €1.2m (£1.02m) was agreed when he initially left Greek side PAOK, where he had joined during the summer of 2023 on a three-year deal.
Now, the experienced centre-back is poised for another move in the Middle East, with Al Ahli securing his signature as part of their plans to strengthen their squad.
Troost-Ekong began his international career representing the Netherlands at under-19 and under-20 level before committing his senior future to Nigeria. He made his Super Eagles debut on 13 June 2015, playing the full 90 minutes in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.
Williams Troost Ekong won the Greek Super League Championship with PAOK Salonica
He went on to earn 83 caps for Nigeria, scoring eight goals. At AFCON, his five goals remain the most ever scored by a defender in the history of the competition, surpassing the previous record held by former Nigeria captain Stephen Keshi.
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In December 2025, Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long Super Eagles career that included captaining the national team.
Ekong in action in the Saudi Arabia Pro League. Photo Credit: Imago
At club level, the defender has enjoyed a wide-ranging career across Europe and beyond, featuring for Udinese in Italy, Watford in England, Genk in Belgium and PAOK in Greece, before his recent move to Saudi Arabia and now Qatar.
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The move to Al Ahli appears to signal the next chapter for Troost-Ekong as he looks to wind down a distinguished career that has spanned multiple leagues and continents.
