Royal Ambassadors Royal Ambassadors · 2026

Gideon 1
Football Competition

A brotherhood on the pitch. Faith, fair play and football. Register your chapter and bring out your strongest boys for the championship.

Venue
Shepherdhill, Obanikoro
Dates
July 18 – Aug 23, 2026
Format
Group + Knockout

Unlimited Squad

Each chapter may register an unlimited number of eligible boys.

Verified Rosters

Director & MMU President must sign off on the final roster.

Top 4 Advance

2 group matches per team — top 4 head to the semi-finals.

Mark your calendar

Tournament Schedule

Group Stage
Sat 18 Jul
Sat 25 Jul

2 matches per team · knockout spots decided

Semi Finals
Sun 9 Aug
Sun 16 Aug
Sunday

Top 4 compete · Sunday showdowns

Third Place Play-off
Sat 22 Aug

Battle for the bronze

Final
Sun 23 Aug
Sunday

Championship decider

All matches at Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos

How it works

Format & Points

Group Stage

  • Each team plays 2 matches in their group.
  • Win: 3 pts · Draw: 1 pt each.
  • Group draws go straight to a penalty shootout — winner takes +1 bonus point.
  • Two halves of 25 minutes · 10-min halftime.

Knockout Stage

  • Top 4 advance to the semi-finals.
  • Halves of 35 minutes · 30 mins extra time if drawn.
  • Penalty shootout decides any tie after extra time.
  • All group-stage cards are cancelled — clean slate.

Tie-Breakers

Goal Difference → Goals Scored → Head-to-Head → Fair Play Record → Penalty Shootout

Rules & Regulations

Play with honour

1
1

Spiritual & Ethical Conduct

Matches open and close with prayer. No foul language, insults, or ungodly gestures. Respect referees, teammates, opponents and spectators — Christ-like conduct at all times.

2
2

Team Composition & Eligibility

11 starting players. All Junior & Intermediate Ambassadors eligible. A maximum of 5 Senior Ambassadors (Ambassador Extraordinary and above) on the field at any time.

3
3

Match Duration

Group stage: 2 × 25 min. Semis & finals: 2 × 35 min, with 2 × 15 min extra time if drawn, then penalties.

4
4

Disciplinary & Cards

Yellow = warning · 2 Yellows = Red + expulsion. Red card = next-match suspension. All group-stage cards are cancelled before knockouts.

5
5

Punctuality & Substitutions

Arrive 30 mins before kick-off. 15+ mins late = forfeiture. Rolling substitutions allowed; subbed players may return.

6
6

Medical & Crowd Conduct

First aid on-site; players participate at their own risk. Spectators must behave respectfully — no abusive chants or violence.

Glory

Awards & Acknowledgements

🥇
1st Place
Trophy & Medals
🥈
2nd Place
Trophy & Medals
🥉
3rd Place
Semi-Final Medals
🏅
Best Player
MVP of the tournament
🧤
Best Goalkeeper
Safest hands of the cup
Top Scorer
Highest goal scorer
🎽
Coach of the Tournament
Outstanding tactical leadership
🌟
Young Player
Most impressive young talent
👟
Highest Assister
Most creative playmaker
FAQs

Frequently Asked

Where is the venue?

Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos.

What are the tournament dates?

Group Stage: Friday 18 July & Friday 25 July. Semi Finals: Sunday 9 August & Sunday 16 August. Third Place Play-off: Saturday 22 August. Final: Sunday 23 August. Semi finals and finals are played on Sundays.

Who is eligible to participate?

All Junior and Intermediate Ambassadors. Senior Ambassadors (Ambassador Extraordinary and above) are allowed with a maximum of 5 on the field at any time.

How do I register my chapter?

Submit your final player roster signed by your chapter's Director and MMU President to confirm eligibility.

How many players can we register?

Unlimited. Register as many boys as you want from your chapter.

What if a team is incomplete or absent?

A walkover will be awarded to the opponent (3-0 default score).

When are yellow and red cards cleared?

All cards from the group stage are cancelled before the knockout round begins. Players start the knockout stage with a clean slate.

What happens if a knockout match ends in a draw after extra time?

A penalty shootout is played. The winner advances to the next round.

Can Senior Ambassadors be substituted out and back in?

Yes, rolling substitutions are allowed. However, only 5 Senior Ambassadors can be on the field at any time.

How long are the semi-finals and finals?

Semi-finals and finals are 35 minutes per half (70 minutes total). Extra time is 15 minutes per half if needed.

Ready to play?

Get your chapter on the team sheet. Registration takes less than a minute.

Register Your Chapter