With the 2013/14 NPFL season long over and Kano Pillars the winners, it's time for the obligatory team of the season picked by myself, Ademetan Abayomi.
It's a bit of a surprise that champions Pillars have only one player in the XI, it shows the competitive level of the League.
The midfield area, however, contains choices of exciting young lads, who all impressed throughout the season.
Staying true to the general trend of the NPFL, the formation used by yours sincerely is 4-1-3-2.
Goalkeeper – Olorunleke Ojo (Giwa FC)
The Jos Elephants had a fantastic season thanks to the form of the Kabb-born goal minder. The youngster may not enter people's thoughts when the subject of the Super Eagles' invited goalkeepers comes up, but he earned Giwa FC vital points in crucial games. He was a class act in the away matches at Enyimba and Dolphins.
However, his talent was recognised by Flying Eagles head coach, Manu Garba, who handed him a call up during the 2015 African Youth Championship Qualifiers.
He is considered too young for an invitation to the senior national side, but the truth is that he is more than good enough for the challenge that lies ahead.
Right-Back – Nnamso Edo (Akwa United)
Not strictly a full-back for his club – Akwa United's attacking system means he plays as a wing-back. His free kicks were important for the Promise Keepers, and there are not many teams in Nigeria who have a player that can cover the entire flank like Nnamso.
His pace ensured that he offered an offensive threat from wide and also reflected in the ways he dispatched his trade mark dead balls. It is this level of output that has seen Nnamso enter the XI ahead of an equally impressive Solomon Kwambe.
Centre-Back – Samuel Olabisi (FC Taraba)
The performances of the former Shooting Stars central defender seemingly went unnoticed last season, especially when compared to his partner in this XI. Alongside Kelvin Njoku, he helped Taraba form a defence wall upon which much of their fight against relegation was built on. He played something of a sweeping role (as close as it can be in a three-man defence), and also contributed important goals for his team.
Centre-Back – Ike ThankGod (Warri Wolves)
The big central defender was well rated by the Press, and it was a good recommendation for him.
His pace at the heart of Wolves' defence was crucial, best demonstrated during recovery. His contribution was a testament to his marked improvement that his performances have acted as hard evidence to his high ratings.
Left-Back – Ugwu Uwuadiegwu (Enyimba International)
The former Rangers star made the left side of the defence line his property. While Markson Ojobo had some decent competition in the form of Bright Esieme for his full-back role, Ugwu had precious little for his left-back spot. In fairness, this was primarily due to the exceptional season he experienced – several assists and a couple of amazing goals for the People's Elephants.
He provided genuine width with attacking potency, one of the few full-backs in Nigeria capable of doing so.
Defensive Midfield – Joseph Nathaniel (Sharks FC)
Sharks may have struggled during the business part of the campaign, but Joe was not one of those players caught up in that struggle for form.
He demonstrated why so many clubs are after his services. Generally playing in the middle of a three-man midfield, he had more freedom to showcase his dynamism and prove he is much more than the nominal holding midfielder that he is meant to be in Sharks' system, and it shows in his numbers for the season. A good season, that was crowned with a debut for the Super Eagles in an international friendly match against the Black Meteors of Ghana at the ultra-modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium.
Central Midfield – Victor Alegbe (Dolphins FC)
By their exceedingly high standards, Dolphins struggled for long periods, as their final league position suggests. The young Alegbe, however, turned out to be incredibly important to the Pride of Rivers' cause.
He was one of those players whose influence was felt in the colours of Stanley Eguma's team.
His superb passes at the final third were crucial for Dolphins in a season that was amazing by his standards. A player for the future.
Central Midfield – Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba International)
He was arguably the best Nigeria Professional Football League midfielder in the 2013/14 campaign.
You do not see many Nigerian midfielders with his characteristics – box-to-box types who will move up and down the pitch, making a difference in both penalty areas and, importantly, scoring goals.
To score goals from a pure midfield position is a fantastic effort.
Enyimba's expansive and forward-thinking 4-3-3 system has aided Sokari in as much as he is able to play his natural game.
Attacking Midfield – Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
Rabiu is known as the Frank Lampard of Nigerian football. He offers double figures every season and last campaign was not different despite missing some games due to his visit to the Holy Land.
He has been consistently brilliant for Pillars across a number of seasons, and earns his place on merit.
Forward – Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC)
It speaks volumes for the outstanding season that Emem had on an individual point of view.
The highlight of the season was the six goals he netted against Nembe City at the Liberation Stadium.
He also marked a special campaign with the first ever goal on his international debut for the Super Eagles at the newly constructed Akwa Ibom International Stadium.
His pace and ability to get in behind defenders are vital for a team that like to keep the ball on the floor.
Forward – Mfon Udoh (Enyimba International)
A team of the season without the league’s top scorer wouldn't have had the needed spark, but Mfon's season and impact for the People's Elephants mean he cannot be left out. He finished with 23 NPFL goals, thus setting a new record.
It was bit of a gamble on the part of Enyimba, signing a striker once rejected by league teams. However, he easily justified the huge investment with an outstanding goalscoring season. His exploits were responsible Enyimba's second place finish in the final standings.
If he stays, he should be unleashed on CAF Champions League teams in 2015.