Nigeria, Aug. 26 -- A new football academy focused on developing girls and young women has kicked off its activities in Lagos with an open screening exercise aimed at discovering fresh talent.

The academy, called 88W Soccer Academy, organised its first session on Saturday, 23 August, at the Pinefield Schools Football Pitch, Lekki.

Another round of screening is scheduled for Saturday, 30 August.

The trials are primarily targeted at girls between the ages of 12 and 19, with a senior category also introduced for women aged 21 and above.

Organisers say the vision is to give opportunities to female players at different levels, whether they dream of becoming professional athletes, student-scholars, or simply want to use football as a platfo...