Ex-Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong leaves Saudi club for Qatar, manager says he’s irreplaceable
William Troost-Ekong, former Super Eagles captain, has left Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood to join Qatari club Al Ahli SC in the January 2026 transfer window. The Nigerian defender moved to Al-Kholood from Greek club PAOK in the summer of 2024.
Al-Kholood manager Des Buckingham praised Troost-Ekong as an "essential leader" both on and off the pitch, calling him the best captain he has ever worked with. Buckingham said the defender was crucial in helping him settle at the club and in establishing the team's culture. "You can’t replace William, and I don’t want to replace him as a player or as a person," the manager told reporters.
Troost-Ekong, 31, played a key role in helping Al-Kholood secure their place in the Saudi Pro League. The club will now look for a new player to fill his position on the team, but Buckingham made clear the emotional and leadership void left by the Nigerian's departure is what they will miss most.
For Nigerian football fans, this marks another move for a Super Eagles veteran seeking opportunities in Gulf leagues. With the January window open, this raises the question of whether more Nigerian internationals will follow suit, balancing career longevity with the growing competition for spots in top European leagues.