Farooq Oreagba shares how fitness and Tottenham helped him battle cancer.
Nigerian capital market executive and cultural icon Farooq Oreagba, widely known as “Mr. Steeze” following his viral appearance at the Ojude Oba festival, has opened up on his battle with cancer.
An avid marathon runner and golfer, Oreagba revealed that exercise became central to his fight after his diagnosis.
“First and foremost, exercise helps, regardless of the type. Ironically, I never ran a marathon until I was diagnosed with cancer. I ran my first 42km marathon in 2017 to raise money for a cancer charity, and that’s what got me started,” he said via Punch.
He stressed the importance of physical fitness in overcoming life-threatening challenges.
“My attitude to life is that health is wealth. If you are going to fight a battle, you have to be fit. If you are healthy and have a level of fitness, it improves your chances,” Oreagba explained.
For him, the message is simple: “Exercise and being healthy is all that matters.”
Beyond his personal health journey, Oreagba also spoke passionately about his unwavering support for Tottenham Hotspur, a club he has followed for over two decades.
“I am a fanatical Tottenham Hotspur supporter and a season ticket holder. When I’m not around, my son goes to the games; we are hardcore, ride or die,” he declared.
Unlike fans of more dominant teams, he sees loyalty as a badge of honour.
“When a Spurs, Nottingham Forest, or Crystal Palace fan supports their team, it’s not because they are winning,” he said.
Oreagba drew a powerful connection between supporting the Spurs and his battle with cancer.
“That kind of resilience is what keeps us, and it manifests in my battle with cancer and everything else. I don’t quit. As long as I wake up in the morning, I have a chance to win,” he noted.
Even in the face of potential relegation, his loyalty remains unshaken.
“If we get relegated, I’ll go down with them and come back up with them.”