Republic of Ireland senior boss Mick McCarthy, Under 17 national team manager Colin O’Brien and Under 16 boss Paul Osam have sent their best wishes to Irish underage international Tega Agberhiere and his two friends after their acid attack ordeal in Waterford.
Gardai in Waterford are investigating an assault which left three teenagers requiring hospital treatment.
The incident is reported to have taken place in Earlscourt, Waterford, last Thursday, April 25th. According to local media, Gardaí believe a corrosive chemical was thrown which resulted in facial injuries for one of the teens.
The youngster, Irish soccer U17 international Tega Agberhiere, was rushed to hospital.
A gifted footballer who has played at underage level for Ireland, Tega is currently recovering in hospital in Cork.
In a statement this afternoon, Ireland senior team boss Mick McCarthy expressed his shock at the news.
I was shocked to hear what happened to Tega and his friends in Waterford and I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone involved with football in Ireland when I wish them all well as they recover from the effects of this attack.
I know Tega is a very promising young footballer and I hope and pray that he is back on the pitch in the very near future. My best wishes to Tega, to his friends and to their families.
Colin O’Brien, currently preparing for this week’s Euro Under 17 finals and Friday’s opening game against Greece at Tallaght Stadium, said the entire squad are thinking of Tega: “It is very upsetting to hear about the incident involving Tega and I hope that he can complete a speedy recovery.
“Tega was in with us at Under-17 level and he had a great attitude as well as a lot of ability. All of the lads in the squad and the staff send on their best wishes to him and his family.”
His former Irish Under 16 team manager Paul Osam also praised the youngster and wished him well: “Tega worked with us with the Under 16 group last season and was part of the squad for the Victory Shield in Northern Ireland in late 2017 and for a doubleheader in Romania that same year. He came across as a nice, quiet lad who loved his football and I can only wish him well with his recovery.”
A number of youths were involved and Gardai are conducting house to house inquiries.
They are also appealing to anybody who may have witnessed the assault to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300.
