Goals from Haliru Umar and Oduokpe Oghogho either side of the break snapped the Flying Antelopes' 4-match winless streak after three losses and one draw.
More importantly, it took them to 52 points, one clear of Kano Pillars, who will be pleased with the 1-1 draw they secured at Heartland. It was Pillars' second away point on the bounce and keeps them hot on the heels of Rangers.
Shooting Stars, a team on the up and Up we're another side to claim a vital road point.
The Ibadan club came away from Ijebu-Ode with a 0-0 draw against Sunshine Stars in a game festering with ill-temper, prior to and after.
Sunshine had formally complained to the NPL before the game that 3SC planned to import alleged thugs for the game, a claim strongly denied by the Oluyole Warlords.
In the event, all the thuggery was on the pitch, as three red cards we issued. Shooting had Gabriel Adukwu and Phillip Asuquo ejected while Sunshine Stars' Addo Alli joined in the fun.
Sharks were punished by old boy Jonah Abutu on their visit to Lobi Stars. The striker scored one and was involved in the Tony Okpotu's second as Lobi ran out 2-0 winners.
In Uyo, Akwa United and Dolphins played out an entertaining five-goal classic, with the home side edging it late on.
Ocean Boys trip to Jigawa, which was rescheduled for Thursday, has now been put off following continued security trouble in Kaduna.
The Yenagoa club would have had to travel through the violence-plagued city to reach Jigawa.
The Premier League goes on a short break this weekend as teams take part in Federation Cup fixtures.
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