Akwa United title hopes suffered a hitch after the Promise Keepers fell to a 1-0 defeat against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, reports Completesports.com.
The Uyo side were unbeaten in 18 league matches, a club and NPFL record prior to the matchday 29 fixture.
The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute after David Philip handled the ball inside the box.
Samuel Kalu slotted the ball home in the 16th minute to hand the Chanji Boys maximum points in the keenly contested encounter.
Akwa United remain top of the log with 53 points from 29 matches.
Nasarawa United moved within a point of the leaders following a hard-fought 2-1 home win against Rivers United in Lafia.
Chidozie Obasi and Michael Tochukwu were on target for the home team, while Godwin Aguda scored for Rivers United.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars maintained their title push with a slim 1-0 win against FC Ifeanyiubah.
Read Also: Boboye: Akwa United Must Approach Every Game As Cup Final
Ebuka David scored the decisive goal in the 36th minute.
The Masu Gida remain in third position on the table with 52 points from 29 games.
In Jos, Plateau United were held to a 0-0 draw by Enyimba.
Former champions Rangers beat Warri Wolves 1-0 away with Christian Nnaji scoring the winner in the 63rd minute.
Michael Ohanu was on target in the sixth minute as Kwara United beat Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Ilorin.
Basement side Adamawa United beat Jigawa Golden Stars 2-0 with Anayo Ogbonna ans Henry Ochoba netting for the hosts.
Wikki Tourists boosted their survival hopes courtesy of a 1-0 win against Lobi Stars with Idris Mohammed Guda scoring the winning goal from the spot in the 36th minute.
FULL RESULTS
Wikki Tourist 1-0 Lobi Stars
Kwara Utd 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Katsina Utd 1-0 Akwa Utd
Heartland FC 2-0 MFM FC
Warri Wolves 0-1Rangers Int’l
Nasarawa Utd 2-1 Rivers Utd
Plateau Utd 0-0 Enyimba FC
Adamawa Utd 2-0 Jigawa GS
Abia Warr. 0-1 Dakkada FC
Kano Pillars 1-0 FCIUB
By Adeboye Amosu
