Holders Enyimba went down to a 1-0 defeat against Lobi Stars in Lafia on Sunday.
Alao Danbani scored the decisive goal two minutes before the hour mark.
Lobi Stars moved to second position on the table following the win.
Rangers stayed on top of the table despite losing 4-3 to Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Michael Ibe scored a brace for Katsina United with Azeez Falolu and Andrew Idoko also on target for the hosts.
Rangers got their goals through Isaac Saviour, Godwin Obaje and Joel Odoh.
FULL SCORES
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Bayelsa Utd
Lobi 1-0 Enyimba
Heartland 3-1
Sporting Lagos
Katsina Utd 4-3 Rangers
Kwara Utd 1-1 Bendel Insurance
Tornadoes 5-0 Gombe Utd