League leaders Lobi Stars returned to winning ways following their midweek slump against champions Plateau United by edging a keenly contested tie 1-0 against Enugu Rangers at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi on Sunday.
Last season’s top scorer Anthony Okpotu, who has endured a underwhelming campaign, scored the decisive goal from a freekick in the 64th minute.
The Makurdi club have now have garnered 40 points from 21 games.
Kano Pillars moved to the second position after they held their hosts Nasarawa United to a 0-0 draw in Lafia.
Champions Plateau United went down to a 1-0 defeat against Rivers United at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Kennedy Boboye’s men dropped to the third position in the table following the defeat.
Osita Chikere netted the winning goal in the 16th minute off a freekick by Bernard Ovoke.
MFM lost 3-1 against Kwara United in Ilorin despite putting up a brave performance in the encounter.
The hosts who were battling to avoid the drop went ahead in the 16th minute through Segun Alebiosu following a blunder by Sunday Chinedu.
Sikiru Olatunbosun equalised for the Olukoya Boys 10 minutes later.
Kwara United regained the lead from the spot three minutes after the break with Stephen Alfred netting his ninth goal of the season, while Sunday Odudu scored the third 15 minutes from time.
In Nnewi, Niger Tornadoes recorded the only away win of the day, ending FC IfeanyiUbah’s six-game unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory.
Tornadoes scored first in the 72nd minute from a fine Mubarak Ejiogu strike.
Substitute Godwin Obaje levelled scores for the Anambra Warriors on the dot of 90 minutes but Bashir Usman stunned the home fans by grabbing the winner four minutes into stoppage time.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United secured a slim 1-0 win against Sunshine Stars.
Tasiu Lawal grabbed the winning goal in the 61st minute after he was set up by Joshua Agboola.
Wikki Tourists recorded a 3-1 win against Yobe Desert Stars in Jos.
Nasiru Jibrin, Ocheme Edoh and Elijah Ani and got the goals for the hosts, while Samuel Agba scored the consolation strike for Yobe Desert Stars.
MATCH DAY 22 RESULTS
FCIU 1-2 Tornadoes Wikki 3-1 Yobe DS Lobi 1-0 Rangers Katsina Utd 1-0 Sunshine Stars Nasarawa Utd 0-0 Kano Pillars Rivers Utd 1-0 Plateau Utd Kwara Utd 3-1 MFM