John Utaka Appointed Montpellier Women’s Head Coach

Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has taken charge of Montpellier’s women’s team in France, replacing outgoing boss Frédéric Mendy, Sport360NG reports.

According to French outlet Ouest-France, the 43-year-old will share the dugout with Baptiste Merle for the remainder of the season, working under the direction of sporting chief Jean-Louis Saez. The role makes Utaka the only African head coach currently in France’s top women’s division.

Utaka’s ties with the Ligue 1 club are long-standing. As a player, he played a decisive role in Montpellier’s historic 2011–12 title triumph, netting twice in the final match to secure their first league crown. He returned to the club in 2020 as an attacking coach in the youth ranks and briefly led the women’s side in 2021.

Since retiring in 2018, Utaka has focused on developing his coaching credentials, earning a UEFA A Licence in 2022 and most recently serving as assistant coach for Montpellier’s under-19 men’s team. He now inherits a side sitting fifth in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points from 19 games, 11 behind third-placed Bordeaux, while PSG and Lyon lead the standings.

The new post also reunites Utaka with Nigeria international Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined Montpellier earlier this year.

With experience across Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey, Utaka is known for his calm leadership and attacking style, qualities Montpellier fans will hope can inspire a strong finish to the campaign.