We pick our Gov Wike Unity Cup team of the tournament in a 4-3-3 formation…
Ayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars)
Ayo Ojo always looked in control of events especially from spot kicks. The former Crown FC and Osun United goal minder has a calm temperament and his technique is so secure that he is entitled to be confident.
Sunday Abe (Sunshine Stars)
Chigozie Ihunda and Ozor Chinedu of Rivers United and Abia Warriors respectively pushed the Sunshine Stars’ skipper close, but Abe was all energy and excelled at both ends of the pitch. His attacking forays down the flank offered Sunshine Stars much needed directness on the occasions their intricate passing moves became overelaborate. At the back, he was rugged and determined.
Samson Gbadebo (Rivers United)
The former Nasarawa United defender was the personification of Rivers United’s spirit and conviction. The centre-back inspired those around him with his whole-hearted displays throughout a group campaign in which the Pride of Rivers picked 10 points. He impressed and kept things tight at the back. Man-mountain.
Austin Opara (MFM FC)
Few predicted MFM would ruffle feathers in Port Harcourt, but their progress to the semi-finals was just reward for a solidity that was summed up by the defender. Opara and his team-mates across the back line, conceded only once in the group stage. Despite their crushing loss to Sunshine Stars, he was the standout performer for the Olukoya Boys. He was a beacon of consistency and composure. Bulletproof.
Konan Ruffin (Rivers United)
The full back shone in a Rivers United side which conceded only thrice in six games. Konan was a marauding left-back of real skill and adventure, betraying his roots as a winger and revelling in his ability to torment defenders in Port Harcourt. He returned from the tournament with his reputation enhanced.
Anthony Omaka (Sunshine Stars)
A jewel in the slickest and most progressive midfield in the entire tournament. His stock increased for winning aerial duels, further highlighting his reputation as a powerhouse in the middle of the park.
He doesn’t look destined to stay much longer in the Nigerian topflight. Indeed, the future looks bright for the midfielder. Beast.
Wasiu Jimoh (Rivers United)
The driving force in Rivers’ cog, which mark him out as most in-demand No 8 around. His electric pace and pinpoint crossing make him the ideal attacking midfielder, but he surely has the ability to announce himself as an elite forward. Devilish.
Dayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars)
Despite the worldwide emphasis on team shape and defensive organisation, creative passing midfielders flourished at the Gov Wike Unity Cup. Ojo edges ahead for his standout performances at the Garden City. Exemplary in the most creative position on the pitch and was a fine ambassador for his team throughout the tournament. He played more passes and created more goalscoring chances than any player in Port Harcourt. He is the ideal No 10 in this XI. Mercurial.
Abah Chibundu (Sunshine Stars)
A three-man attacking attack would need speed and Abah Chibundu was the best wide man in Port Harcourt. He was a terror in the competition. Can be thrilling to watch.
Sunday Adetunji (Abia Warriors)
He was energetic and showed precision in front of goal. What would Abia Warriors do without Sunday Adetunji? Although not the most vocal person, the former Shooting Stars forward prefers to do his talking on the pitch. He accounted for three goals. Sharp-shooter.
Daniel Mark (Abia Warriors)
This is an unheralded name on the domestic scene. Daniel Mark displayed skills and mobility for the Umuahia Warriors. He was menacing for the Warriors and chipped in three goals. Hitman.
 Ayo Ojo always looked in control of events especially){kind=link}