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17 March 2026  6 min read

Manchester Made: Irene Oboavwoduo’s Journey to the GB stage

From her early days in Manchester to a senior Great Britain debut on home soil, her rise has been rapid - but beneath it all is a story built on family, perspective and a genuine love for the game.

Unlike many young athletes, basketball was not her first sporting passion.

“I started playing at under-11s,” she explained ahead of tonight's GB clash with Norway at her home court at Manchester's National Basketball Performance Centre. “Before that I did gymnastics competitively.”

It was a shift in that environment that ultimately led her to the court.

“I got moved up age groups and was training with people much older than me, and I just couldn’t relate to them, so I stepped away from it.”

 

 

 

 

 

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That decision opened the door to something new — and something that immediately felt right.

“I started playing for Manchester Mystics, where my older sister was playing at the time, and I just loved the team environment straight away.”

Coming from an individual sport, the difference was striking.

“In gymnastics it’s all on you, but with basketball you rely on your teammates so much. Those relationships are such a big part of it, and I think that’s what made me enjoy it from the beginning and want to take it as far as I could.”

Sport, in many ways, runs through the Oboavwoduo family. Her older brother, 19, is pursuing a career in football at an elite level, currently on the books with Juventus and representing England, while her younger sister, 15, is also progressing through the pathway in the women’s game whilst representing Manchester City and England.

“Growing up together was so much fun,” she said. “We’ve always had that healthy competition - trying to be better than each other, seeing who could reach the next level first.”

Irene excelled for the Manchester Mystics from a young age in Jnr NBL, NBL and the WEABL

That competitive edge, however, is matched by support.

“We’re all so proud of each other. We always reflect on how fortunate we are to have these opportunities, and we’re really grateful to our parents for that.”

Over the past 12 months, Oboavwoduo’s own journey has accelerated dramatically. After stepping up to senior domestic basketball, she has quickly adapted to the demands of the professional environment.

“Everything has happened so quickly,” she admitted. “Going from making my Super League debut in September to now, it’s been a big jump from Manchester Mystics, but I believed it was something I could handle.”

That belief has been key.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge. I was going to step up the year before, but with me going to America this summer, it felt like this was the right time to really test myself.”

That test has already brought major rewards. A first call-up to the senior national team - something she admits she hadn’t fully expected so soon - quickly followed.

“My mum actually said after the under-18s in the summer that this might be around the time I’d get a call-up,” she said with a smile. “I kind of brushed it off… but not long after that I got the email.”

The moment itself was special. The setting made it unforgettable.

“To make my debut in Manchester was incredible,” she said. “I had so many family and friends there, and knowing how much they’ve helped me on this journey made it even more special to share that moment with them.”

With visibility has come something else too - responsibility.

“It’s been crazy seeing the impact,” she admitted. “People leaving comments or making videos saying I’m their favourite player, that they look up to me.”

It’s a role she doesn’t take lightly, particularly given how close she still is in age to many of those watching.

“I’m not much older than a lot of the kids who come to our games, so maybe that helps them relate to me. If they can see that I’ve done it, then they can too.”

That connection has only strengthened her own motivation.

“It inspires me even more to be my best every time I step on the court. Being a good role model is really important to me.”

Despite the changes around the national team setup heading into the current window - new staff, new faces and a new environment - Oboavwoduo has found reassurance in what has stayed the same.

“The culture hasn’t changed,” she said. “Our values are still there, and that’s really important. No matter who comes in, those standards have to stay the same and we have to hold ourselves accountable.”

There is also a familiar face guiding that environment. Having worked with head coach Krumesh Patel at junior level, their connection has carried through to the senior stage.

“I’ve played for him with the under-18s, so being able to share this experience again at senior level is really special,” she said. “It just strengthens our understanding of each other.”

For a player still at the very beginning of her senior career, the trajectory is already remarkable - but what stands out most is not just how quickly she has arrived, but how grounded she remains.

Driven by family, shaped by perspective and inspired by those now looking up to her, Irene Oboavwoduo is not just embracing the moment - she’s growing with it.

Interview: Jamie Thomas

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