Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has been appointed head coach of Montpellier’s women’s team in France.
He takes over from outgoing manager Frédéric Mendy and will share coaching responsibilities with Baptiste Merle until the end of the season, working under the guidance of sporting director Jean-Louis Saez.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Utaka, making him the only African head coach in France’s top-tier women’s league.
Utaka, 43, has a long-standing connection with Montpellier, having played a key role in the men’s team’s historic 2011–12 Ligue 1 title win, where he scored twice in the final game to secure the championship.
Since retiring from professional football in 2018, Utaka has focused on coaching, earning his UEFA A Licence in 2022.
He returned to Montpellier in 2020 as a youth team attacking coach and briefly managed the women’s team in 2021.
Most recently, he served as assistant coach for the club’s U19 men’s side.
Montpellier currently sit fifth in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points from 19 matches, 11 points behind third-placed Bordeaux.
Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon occupy the top two positions.
Utaka’s new role will also see him reunite with Nigerian international Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined the club earlier this year.
Known for his composed leadership and attacking style, Utaka enjoyed a career that spanned clubs in Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey.
Fans will now be eager to see how his experience and tactical approach influence Montpellier’s push in the closing stages of the season.