Afeezat Mustapha Advocates Sports As An Evidence-Based Supportive Therapy for Cancer Patients’ Mental Health
By Tolulope Oke
As global health conversations increasingly recognise the link between physical activity and mental wellbeing, a Nigerian sports professional, Afeezat Ajoke Mustapha, is drawing attention to the role of structured sports and movement as supportive therapy for individuals living with cancer.
Afeezat, a graduate of Human Kinetics from the University of Ilorin, is contributing to emerging perspectives that position sports not only as a tool for physical fitness but also as an evidence-based approach to improving emotional resilience among patients facing life-threatening illnesses. Her advocacy reflects a growing intersection between sports science and healthcare, particularly in addressing the psychological burden associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Working as an assistant coach and sports administrator in an academy, Afeezat has built experience in athlete development, physical conditioning and mental wellbeing support. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she has been involved in providing quality caregiving support to individuals affected by cancer, where she applies her background in sports and human kinetics to encourage gentle physical activity, emotional stability and mental strength.
According to her, patients navigating cancer treatment often face anxiety, depression and emotional fatigue, which can impact recovery and overall quality of life. She notes that incorporating structured, low-impact physical activities adapted to individual capacity, can play a significant role in improving mood, reducing stress levels and fostering a sense of control.
“Movement, even in its simplest form, can be therapeutic,” Afeezat observed. “When properly guided, it helps patients reconnect with their bodies, improve emotional balance and build mental resilience during difficult periods.”
Her approach aligns with global research that highlights the benefits of physical activity in reducing cancer-related fatigue and improving psychological outcomes. By integrating empathy, communication and tailored physical routines, Mustapha supports patients not just physically, but emotionally, helping them navigate the mental challenges that often accompany treatment.
In addition to her caregiving efforts, Afeezat continues to advocate for greater awareness of non-pharmacological support systems within healthcare frameworks. She emphasises the need for collaboration between sports professionals, caregivers and medical practitioners to develop structured programs that can complement clinical treatment for cancer patients.
Her work also underscores the importance of youth-driven contributions to healthcare support systems, particularly in communities where access to comprehensive mental health services remains limited. With fluency in multiple languages and a strong background in communication, she is able to connect with diverse individuals, offering encouragement and support through culturally sensitive engagement.
As conversations around holistic healthcare gain momentum globally, professionals like Afeezat are helping to redefine the role of sports and caregiving beyond competition and mere emotional massage, positioning them as vital components of healing, recovery and emotional wellbeing.
Through her combined expertise in sports, administration and caregiving, Afeezat Mustapha represents a growing voice advocating for innovative, compassionate approaches to health support; where movement, empathy and science intersect to improve lives.
