Reigning champions fell short for the second time in their home this season after Niger Tornadoes got a slim win over them while Abia Warriors and Nasarawa United were able to get narrow wins against Bayelsa United and Katsina United, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
After winning the first leg away from home, the Flying Antelopes were pumped up to make it victory home and away, but the Minna-based club was poised for victory too.
Ismail Sarki put the visitors in front after he bundled the ball past Rangers goalkeeper Osayi on 17 minutes from close range.
The champions got back in it 4 minutes later with Chinemerem Ugwueze leveling the score on 21 minutes as the half ended 1-1.
In the 65th minute, Ifeanyi Okechukwu restored Tornadoes' lead as the champions trailed for the second time.
However, there was no coming back for the hosts after Chiedozie Okorie fired from the spot against the crossbar at additional time as Rangers missed the chance to level the score after Effimi Nsi was brought down in the box.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United held to a lead that came early in the game through Qamar Adegoke in the 10th minute before halftime against Katsina United.
Abia Warriors also edged Bayelsa United by a goal to nil courtesy of a 4th-minute goal by Sunday Megwo who scored from Paul Samson's cross.
Uche Dozie