Shooting Stars dented Rangers’ title bid after beating the league leaders 1-0 in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Former Flying Eagles forward Christian Pyagbara scored the decisive goal in the 13th minute.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars moved within two points of Rangers, following a comfortable 4-1 win over Heartland.
Stanley Joseph bagged a brace, while Franck Mawuena and Jide Fatokun scored the other goals for the hosts.
Heartland were relegated to the Nigeria National League following the defeat.
Holders Enyimba dropped to third place on the table after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bayelsa United.
Alade Balogun gave Enyimba the lead in the 20th minute, while Ekeson Okorie equalised for the visitors 10 minutes before the break.
FULL RESULTS
Gombe Utd 1-3 Abia Warriors
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Rivers Utd
Enyimba 1-1 Bayelsa Utd
Akwa Utd 3-1 Katsina Utd
Remo Stars 4-1 Heartland
Tornadoes 3-2 Lobi Stars
Kwara Utd 2-0 Kano Pillars
Sporting Lagos 1-2 Plateau Utd
3SC 1-0 Rangers
NPFL: Rangers suffer title race blow, Heartland relegated
