2017 is almost over, so we give you the team of the year in a 3-4-3 formation.

Dele Ajiboye [Plateau United]

The goalkeeper has great positional sense and his excellent shot-stopping helped him save crucial penalties in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). His agility, consistency and command of the area made him standout and it’s no surprise he also kept 13 clean sheets. Played a major part in Plateau United’s title success and the league’s best defence. Unflappable.

Shehu Abdullahi [Anorthosis Famagusta]

Shehu Abdullahi’s pacey runs down the flank have kept opposition wingers firmly in their place. Still a little under-rated but maturing very nicely into a top class wing-back. Seems to have a mindset that none shall pass and very few did. Decisive.

Leon Balogun [Mainz 05]

The muscular and intimidating defender has been one of the Super Eagles’ most consistent players and certainly menaced many opposition forwards. Not the sort to back out of a challenge, he puts his heart and soul into every tackle. Fundamental.

William Troost Ekong [Bursaspor]

One of the very best defenders in Africa, Ekong has everything that the modern footballer needs: intelligence, pace and an assurance in possession. His elegant style, superb tackling and positioning are some of the major reasons why Nigeria qualified for Russia 2018. Irreplaceable.

Wilfred Ndidi [Leicester City]

Nigerian youngster Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi is one of the brightest prospects in the English Premier League. Often deployed by Leicester City in a central or deep-lying midfield role, the 21-year-old is extremely versatile in the middle of the park. He has a work ethic that is second to none. Unafraid to go where others fear to tread. Crucial.

Alex Iwobi [Arsenal]

The Arsenal man possesses an adaptability to play anywhere along the flank and occasionally in the centre. Iwobi excels at getting up field to put crosses into the area. Vital.

Victor Moses [Chelsea]

Flies up and down the flank like a cheetah zeroing in on a kill. He possesses an awareness and technique that makes him a dangerous outlet. Can do almost anything with the ball: flicks, stepovers, backheels, precise crosses and solo runs. Elegant.

Anthony Nwakaeme [Hapoel Beer Sheva]

Has been the crown jewel in Hapoel’s title push and on his day completely unstoppable. His delightful creativity sets up wave after wave of attacks from playing deep at times, but also plays centrally just behind the strikers. God help the opposition when he feels he’s on top form. Dominating.

Henry Onyekuru [Anderlecht]

One of Nigeria’s most naturally gifted footballers, the young lad seems to have gravitated towards becoming a second striker over a winger and has done superbly. Exceptional.

Junior Ajayi [Al Ahly]

The forward possesses a killer instinct and a fabulous technique that strikes fear into the opposition before they even take to the field. Deserves praise as the complete team player, who is also the first line of defence. Outstanding.

Odion Jude Ighalo [Changchun Yatai]

Class, leadership and inspiration, the 28-year-old plays with the energy of someone a decade younger. Scored 15 goals in 27 games for Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai. Tends to be a bit selfish, as all great strikers are, and Ighalo is surely one of them. Integral.