Qatar Stars League side, Al Ahli SC have officially confirmed the signing of former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, bringing an end to the Nigerian defender’s spell in Saudi Arabia and opening a fresh chapter in his well-travelled career.
The Doha-based club announced the arrival of the experienced centre-back via their official Instagram page, welcoming him with a bold message that signalled their ambition:
“He’s here, he’s ready. Welcome to the club, William. Let’s make history together.”
The move brings an end to Troost-Ekong’s one-and-a-half-year stay in Saudi Arabia. He joined Al-Kholood in August 2024, signing a two-year deal that was originally set to run until June 2026.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Nigerian defender agreed terms with Al Ahli SC during the January transfer window, paving the way for his exit from the Ar-Rass-based club.
Deal Confirmed: Troost-Ekong Joins from Al-Kholood
Troost-Ekong joins Al Ahli SC from Saudi Arabian side Al-Kholood, with the transfer fee undisclosed.
The club has confirmed that the former Nigerian international has signed a long-term contract running until June 2028, effectively a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The 31-year-old defender has also been handed his preferred No. 5 jersey and is expected to play a central role as Al Ahli push to finish the season strongly in the Qatar Stars League.
“Next Chapter” – Troost-Ekong Reacts
Reacting shortly after the announcement, Troost-Ekong took to social media to express his excitement about the move and his new environment in Doha.
“Next Chapter! Happy to be here part of the @ahliqat family!” he wrote.
Leadership Pedigree: A Proven Captain
Troost-Ekong arrives with a strong leadership résumé, having previously captained both the Nigerian national team and Al-Kholood.
During his time with the Saudi club, he made 49 appearances, scoring two goals while providing defensive stability and leadership.
He played a crucial role in helping Al-Kholood avoid relegation in their first season after promotion and leave the club above the drop zone in his second campaign.
Al Ahli’s Ambition and League Position
Al Ahli SC currently sit ninth in the 12-team Qatar Stars League, six points above bottom-placed Umm-Salal, who occupy the relegation zone.
The club has been steadily strengthening its squad and already boasts notable European names, including former Paris Saint-Germain forward Julian Draxler, who joined in the summer of 2023.
Troost-Ekong’s arrival is viewed internally as a significant boost to their defensive structure and dressing-room leadership.
Al Ahli SC will become the 11th club of Troost-Ekong’s professional career, one that has spanned multiple continents and top-level competitions.
Troost-Ekong Career Path Highlights
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Youth academies: Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur
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Professional debut: Groningen (2013)
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Loan spell: Dordrecht
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Permanent move: Gent (2015)
- Loan spells at Haugesund (Norway)
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Turkey: Bursaspor
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Italy: Udinese (Serie A)
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England: Watford (68 appearances – longest stint of his career)
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Loan: Salernitana (2023)
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Greece: PAOK Thessaloniki (League title winner)
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Saudi Arabia: Al-Kholood
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Qatar: Al Ahli SC
International Career and AFCON Legacy
Troost-Ekong’s senior international career with Nigeria spanned 10 years, after switching allegiance from the Netherlands in 2015.
One of the defining moments of his career came at AFCON 2023, where he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) after leading Nigeria to the final in Côte d’Ivoire.
According to CAF, the defender shockingly announced his retirement from international football in December, just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria went on to secure the bronze medal.
Read More: OFFICIAL: Troost-Ekong Receives MFR National Honour from President Tinubu
Read More: Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Retires from International Football
Read More: “Most Difficult Moments of My Career” – Troost-Ekong On Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Failure
Retirement Clarification
Following speculation, Troost-Ekong later clarified the reasons behind his international retirement, refuting reports that linked his decision to a rift with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
He denied claims that he stepped aside due to disagreements over unpaid wages or his role in a player protest ahead of a match against Gabon.
Now settled in Doha, Troost-Ekong will be expected to bring:
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Experience
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Leadership
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Tactical discipline
to an Al Ahli side eager to climb the league table and stabilise their campaign.
