Hibernian full-back Jordan Obita left Ibrox disappointed but respectful after his side’s narrow defeat, conceding that while Hibs matched Rangers for long spells, a lack of quality in decisive moments ultimately proved costly.
Speaking after the match with Hibs TV, Obita echoed the assessment of his manager David Gray, insisting Hibs were competitive throughout and did not shrink from the occasion at Ibrox.
“For the first half, we controlled the game,” Obita said.
“But we just didn’t have that final quality in the final third to cause them some problems.”
From a Rangers perspective, the comments underline the fine margins that defined the contest.
Danny Röhl’s side were far from fluent, but they remained disciplined and patient, allowing Hibs to have the ball in non-threatening areas before striking from a set piece.
Emmanuel Fernandez’s goal, while scrappy, was decisive.
Obita felt Hibs were well in the game, particularly in their pressing approach.
“I thought we were competing really well, with a high press,” he said.
“But they got their goal.”
That moment shifted the momentum inside Ibrox, with Rangers briefly feeding off the crowd’s energy before settling back into a controlled defensive shape.
While Hibs continued to probe, clear chances were limited, and Jack Butland was rarely forced into decisive saves – a point that reflects Rangers growing domestic defensive solidity under Röhl.
In the second half, Obita admitted his side struggled to raise their level when it mattered most.
“We probably needed more quality on the ball,” he said.
“Just that final end product or a couple of sloppy touches or sloppy passes.”
Those lapses allowed Rangers to manage the game, even as nerves crept in late on.
Despite opportunities to break and kill the contest, Rangers were content to prioritise structure and protection, something that has become a hallmark of their recent league performances.
Obita confirmed the message from the Hibs dressing room after full-time was one of belief rather than blame.
“Obviously, it’s a disappointment that we lost the game,” he said.
“But we just need to believe in ourselves a bit more and probably be a bit more quality.”
From a Rangers standpoint, the remarks reinforce the sense that this was a game won through resilience rather than dominance.
Hibs may have had spells of control, but Rangers defended their box well, limited mistakes at the back and found a way to secure three vital points in a congested Premiership table.
For Obita, the defeat also marked his final appearance at Ibrox for a period, with international duty with Uganda at the African Cup of Nations on the horizon.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said of AFCON - a tournament that will also cost Rangers Nasser Djiga who will be with Burkina Faso.
“It’s my first time at a major tournament and to represent my family’s country, I’m really proud.”
As Rangers look ahead to a daunting run of fixtures, including a trip to league leaders Hearts on Sunday, Obita’s comments serve as a reminder of the challenge ahead.