Kano Pillars gave up more ground in the chase for the Nigeria Professional Football League title after they lost 1-0 at Jigawa Golden Stars on matchday 28.

Kalla Ali’s late goal gave the hosts their first win in eight games and condemned Pillars to a second defeat in three games.

After not losing in 10 straight games, Pillars have now dropped points in their last three matches and find themselves four points behind leaders Akwa United who defeated basement side Adamawa United on Saturday with goals from Charles Atshimene and Mfon Udoh taking the Uyo side to 53 points on the log.

Elsewhere, Nasarawa United moved level with second-placed Pillars on 49 points after a battling performance in Aba earned them a point against sixth-placed Enyimba in a goalless stalemate.

Rangers also picked up a point away from home as Shedrack Asiegbu’s 88th-minute equaliser cancelled out Isaac George’s first half effort for Dakkada in Uyo.

In Makurdi, Mohammed Sani and Akile Monday scored second half goals to lift Lobi Stars past Kwara United while in Port Harcourt a 77th-minute effort from Malachy Ohawume was enough to earn home side Rivers United victory over Katsina United.

FC Ifeanyiubah, fresh from getting a reprieve from the NFF in their dispute with MFM over a walkover victory afforded the former, beat visiting Heartland FC in Nnewi to move to within two points of safety. Lukman Aliu and Nonso Nzediegwu scored for the hosts while Kingsley Maduforo grabbed a late consolatory effort for the Naze Millionaires.

Anthony Sunday and Mohammed Zulkilful were on target as Plateau United dispatched second bottom side Warri Wolves in Jos and Sunshine Stars earned a rare victory against Abia Warriors in Akure with Stars’ Sadeeq Yusuf Ahmat scoring either side Paul Samson’s effort for the visitors in the 2-1 win.