Kano Pillars defeated El-kanemi Warriors 2-1 in a keenly contested derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Wednesday.
The hosts managed just one win from their previous five matches and were under pressure to claim maximum points.
The first half ended 0-0 despite both teams creating chances to break the deadlock.
Rabiu Ali gave Kano Pillars the lead from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.
The lead lasted four minutes before Al-Amin Umar restored parity for El-kanemi Warriors.
Umar has now scored three goals in his last three games for the visitors.
Rashid Alasan scored the winning goal Pillars on the dot of 90 minutes.
