Saka was the match-winner for Stars; the veteran midfielder's 81st-minute effort earning the leaders a 1-0 victory against 10-men Kano Pillars.

Chris Madaki was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence and, within a minute, his dismissal had dire consequences as Saka headed home Ebube Duru's cross.

It was fourth time lucky for Enugu Rangers as they earned a point at FC Ifeanyi Ubah for the first time, playing out a 0-0 draw in the Oriental Derby in Nnewi. The game was devoid of any major talking points as both teams lacked the killer instincts to earn the bragging rights, leaving the hosts three points above the drop zone, while Rangers are in seventh.

Akwa United left it late to earn a 2-1 win against Sunshine Stars in the day's highest scoring fixture. Ifeanyi Ifeanyi's majestic free-kick minutes just before half-time put the Promise Keepers in the driving seat, but Frank Sasere levelled for Sunshine two minutes after the restart.

Akwa made their home advantage count with Victor Mbaoma's 88th-minute winner which takes them to fourth place, while Sunshine are just above the relegation zone.

Destiny Ashadi converted a 53rd-minute penalty to seal a 1-0 home win for Katsina United against El Kanemi Warriors. The result extends the dream season of a modest Katsina side as they climb to second on the table, while Warriors suffered an eighth loss of a challenging campaign, ending the day in 18th-place.

Enyimba battled to a third successive away draw after a goalless stalemate at Wikki Tourists. The game marked the return of goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, an inspirational addition for the People's Elephant who, despite playing three games less after matchday 18, are eighth on the table.

Kwara United battled to a 1-1 home draw against Go Round FC in the relegation battle, extending their unbeaten run to six games, though they remain a spot from the bottom. Stephen Alfred handed the Harmony Boys a 16th-minute lead and despite Izu Chile's missed spot-kick, Go Round clinched a point through Chidi Nwachukwu.

Andrew Ikefe's goal in added time sealed a 1-0 home win for Niger Tornadoes against Yobe Desert Stars, stretching Tornadoes' unbeaten run to eightgames as they climb to third.

Finally, Shammasu Mohammed secured maximum points for Nasarawa United in a 1-0 win against Abia Warriors.