Troost-Ekong Nears Move to Qatari Club Al Ahli After Al Kholood Stint

Veteran Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong is on the brink of sealing a move to Al Ahli SC of the Qatar Stars League, according to transfer reports. The experienced centre-back is set to join Al Ahli from Saudi Arabian side Al Kholood, where he has played since August 2024.

The transfer expected to be confirmed soon — will see Troost-Ekong sign a contract with Al Ahli that runs until June 2028, underscoring the Qatari club’s long-term plans for the defender.

Troost-Ekong, 32, brought a wealth of experience to Al Kholood, making close to 50 appearances and serving as a key figure in their quest to compete in the Saudi Pro League.

Before his stint in Saudi Arabia, the former Super Eagles captain enjoyed a lengthy career in Europe with spells in the English Championship, Serie A, Greek Super League and other top divisions and was a mainstay in Nigeria’s defence for a decade.

The move to Al Ahli comes after Troost-Ekong retired from international football in late 2025, ending a distinguished international career that included more than 80 caps for Nigeria and leadership roles at multiple major tournaments.

EDITORIAL

William Troost-Ekong’s imminent transfer to Al Ahli SC in Qatar is more than a routine mid-season move it represents a reflective chapter in the career of one of Nigeria’s most respected defensive leaders of the modern era.

Troost-Ekong’s football journey is a tapestry woven across continents — from the Dutch leagues to England’s fiercely competitive Championship, on to Italy’s tactical crucibles and Greece’s intense arenas before landing in the Middle East. Such a trajectory speaks to both adaptability and resilience the traits that defined his decade with the Super Eagles and underpinned his stature as captain and defensive lynchpin.

In Qatar, at Al Ahli SC, he faces a new challenge. The Stars League offers a different rhythm one less frenetic than Europe’s elite competitions but rich in technical quality and strategic nuance. For a defender entering the latter stages of his career, this platform is fitting a place to anchor a backline with experience, to mentor emerging talents and to offer stability in a league that blends ambition with refinement.

But beyond the surface of strategy and contracts lies the human dimension. Troost-Ekong’s retirement from the international stage in 2025 marked the end of an era for Nigeria a leader who anchored the defence, inspired teammates and symbolised the nation’s competitive belief. To see him continue at club level, in a new environment, suggests that the story is far from over it has simply taken another direction.

Football careers evolve, not end with a single decision. And for Troost-Ekong, this move to Qatar may yet bring chapters rich with influence, impact and as he’s shown throughout — character.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football at the end of 2025, finishing with over 80 appearances for the Super Eagles.
2. He previously played in several top European leagues, including the English Championship with Watford and Serie A in Italy before moving to Greece and then Saudi Arabia.
3. Troost-Ekong joined Al Kholood in August 2024 from PAOK in Greece, quickly becoming a mainstay in their defence.
4. Al Ahli SC has other notable internationals in their squad, making the Qatari club an increasingly competitive destination for experienced players.
5. His new contract with Al Ahli is reported to run until June 2028, offering stability as he transitions into the later stages of his professional career.