Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is among a number of top-flight athletes currently unable to leave Qatar following sweeping security measures triggered by the latest escalation in the Middle East.
READ ALSO: Barau FC Makes Peace, Appoints Assaulted Journalist as Coach’s Aide
The Nigerian international is understood to be grounded after the closure of key air routes and the suspension of commercial flights.
The development linked to rising military tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
In response, Qatari authorities implemented precautionary restrictions that have disrupted travel and forced a pause in several sporting activities.
Troost-Ekong, who joined Al Ahli SC in January 2026 after leaving Al-Kholood, has seen preparations in the Qatar Stars League suspended indefinitely.
The 32-year-old defender had only recently settled into life in Doha following his move, aimed at extending his club career at the top level.
He is not the only footballer affected. Reports suggest several foreign-based stars, including Marco Verratti, Philippe Coutinho and Julian Draxler, are also unable to travel as restrictions remain in place.
The disruption extends beyond football. Major carriers such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and flydubai have cancelled or reduced services to several destinations, leaving thousands of travellers stranded across the region.
With no official timeline announced for the reopening of airspace or the resumption of domestic competitions, Troost-Ekong and other affected athletes remain on standby, awaiting further directives from Qatari authorities and international aviation regulators as the situation continues to unfold.







