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12 November 2025  4 min read

From Aspire to GB - Oboavwoduo 'a very good player, but an even better person'

The young Mancunian has been called into the GB squad for their EuroBasket Women 2026 qualifier against Switzerland in her home city tonight. 

A talented, athletic guard, the 17-year-old plays senior top-flight basketball for Manchester in the Women’s Super League and Manchester Mystics in the Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League. 

She has reached this point by negotiating her way along a development route that started with the Mystics’ Jnr. NBL teams and BE’s Aspire Programme. 

From those early experiences, it soon became clear the teenager was a genuine prospect. 

North Super Region and England Juniors representation followed before GB appearances at U16 and U18 level.  

The Gorton-born youngster shone at the recent NBA Basketball Without Borders camp in Manchester alongside some of Europe’s best U19 talent and will next year head to the US to take her next steps at NCAA1 Boston College. 

Of her selection she said: “It’s a huge honour to be called up. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to learn from the experienced players around me while continuing my development to the next level.” 

 

 

 

 

 

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Basketball England Head of talent and performance Steve Bucknall said:

"Massive congratulations to Irene on her well-deserved selection to the senior women’s national team. Her journey through the Basketball England Talent Pathway is a testament to her hard work, resilience and commitment to continuous improvement.

"It’s inspiring to see a young player who has developed within our system now representing at the highest level. What a great example for the next generation to follow."

A very good player, but an even better person

Mystics coach Rob Fairley witnessed Oboavwoduo’s rise through the club’s junior ranks and still guides her development as her WEABL coach. 

He said: “It’s difficult to summarise Irene’s journey through basketball in a few paragraphs - she is a very good player sure, but an even better person, supported by an incredible family, who I have been lucky enough to get to know. 

“It’s fantastic to see Irene involved in the senior Great Britain squad. Manchester Mystics have had many alumni turn out for the national team and we’re so proud that she is carrying on that tradition.  

“From coaching Irene from when she was around 12, coming from a gymnastics background, it has been incredible to see her progression. When I first got to coach her, I remember commenting to [club founder] Joe Forber, that while she may not be the best player currently within the group of around 40 players, she would be the one to watch as she just seemed to love playing. She seemed just as enthusiastic about defence as playing offence, something you don’t always get with younger players.   

“She joined our U16 team while still an U14, and was primarily a defensive player off the bench, however, the ambitious player she is, she quickly developed her scoring skills and by the end of the year, was a two-way threat, as well as a two-time national champion.  

“The following year she progressed further and played U16 basketball as well as U18 alongside her sister Anita. At the age of 15 she turned out as a starter in WNBL1 after Mystics got promoted and was a major contributor to the team. She lead the Mystics U18 to the Sure Shot Jnr. NBL National Cup Final and was named as a senior All Star. 

“It’s no surprise that she has progressed so rapidly, as away from the court, Irene is also a high achiever academically, demonstrating she is committed to excellence in all aspects of her life. It is this drive and dedication to being the best that she can be, which makes me believe she has a bright future in the sport.” 

Get tickets for tonight's GB game

Find out more about the BE talent pathway

Irene through the years - gallery below