Rangers coach Gbenga Ogunbote has described his side’s 3-1 defeat to his former club, Enyimba as ‘unfortunate’, blaming the loss on ‘carelessness’ on the part of his players. The defeat is the third in as many games for the Flying Antelopes.

A brace from centre-back Ifeanyi Anaemena and a goal from Beninois Jean-Marie Guera rendered Godwin Aguda’s strike a mere consolation as the People’s Elephant claimed the bragging rights in an entertaining Oriental Derby decided at a packed Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday.

The win moved Enyimba (28) to within 3 points of leaders Rangers (31) in Group A standings of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Speaking to journalists after the match, the former Sunshine Stars and Shooting Stars gaffer reckoned that there was nothing unusual with losing three consecutive games, adding that his team will work harder to bounce back to winning ways.

“Well, sometimes, it is like that,” Ogunbote said. “We’ve had three straight draws, we’ve had two straight wins on the road. This time around, I think it is just unfortunate that we didn’t pick a point on the road, and it is not too good for us.

“All the same, we just have to pick our pieces and try to make amends where necessary.

“Everybody saw the game; I think we were careless for the two goals; the first two goals, I think we were careless.

“Sometimes, it is like that, but the important thing is that we are still on course.”

Despite the defeat to rivals Enyimba, Rangers remain top of Group A with 31 points, three clear of the Aba giants.

Up next for Ogunbote’s men will be a midweek fixture against relegation-threatened Kwara United in Enugu on Wednesday.