Enyimba defeated holders Rangers 2-1 in a keenly contested oriental derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday.
The visitors scored twice in the first half through Innocent Gabriel and Ekenne Awazie.
Chiedozie Okorie reduced the deficit for Rangers in the 66th minute.
The win boosted Enyimba's chances of securing a continental ticket.
Abia Warriors returned to third position courtesy of a 3-1 home win over Shooting Stars.
Adejoh Ojonugwa opened the scoring for Imama Amapakabo's side after seven minutes, while Anthony Ijoma added a second for the hosts 12 minutes later.
Sunday Megwo scored his side's third goal five minutes after the break.
Nasarawa United defeated Heartland 1-0 at the Lafia City Stadium.
Anas Yusuf scored the winning goal for the home team late in the first half.
It was Yusuf's 15th league goal of the campaign for the Solid Miners.
In Ilorin, Kwara United thrashed Lobi Stars 4-0.
Junior Aimufua grabbed a brace, with Wasiu Alalade and Adeshina Gata scoring the other goals.
Former champions Plateau United recorded a 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance at the New Jos Stadium.
Sadiq Adams scored both goals for Mbwas Mangut's side.
Stanley Okoroma was on target for Insurance in stoppage time.
At the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa United boosted their survival hopes courtesy of a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City.
Wisdom Ubani gave Ikorodu City the lead in the 19th minute.
Akwa United fought back with two goals from Uche Sabastine and Osoba Kabir.
Full Results
Plateau Utd 2-1 Bendel Insurance
Kwara Utd 4-0 Lobi Stars
Rangers 1-2 Enyimba
Sunshine Stars 2-0 Katsina Utd
Abia Warriors 3-1 3SC
Bayelsa Utd 2-1 El-Kanemi
Akwa Utd 2-1 Ikorodu City
Nasarawa Utd 1-0 Heartland
