Former Nigerian international John Utaka has been appointed the new head coach of Montpellier’s women’s team in France, replacing the outgoing manager, Frédéric Mendy.
According to the French outlet Ouest-France, the 43-year-old will share coaching duties with Baptiste Merle for the remainder of the season, with both reporting to sporting director Jean-Louis Saez.
This appointment is a significant milestone for Utaka, as it makes him the only African head coach in France’s top-tier women’s league.
Utaka’s connection to Montpellier runs deep.
During his playing days, he was instrumental in helping the men’s team clinch the 2011–12 Ligue 1 title, famously scoring twice in the final match to secure the club’s first-ever championship.
He returned in 2020 as a youth team attacking coach and briefly managed the women’s side in 2021.
Since hanging up his boots in 2018, Utaka has dedicated himself to coaching, earning his UEFA A Licence in 2022 and most recently serving as assistant coach for Montpellier’s U19 men’s team.
His new challenge comes with Montpellier’s women’s team sitting fifth in Division 1 Féminine on 27 points after 19 matches—11 points adrift of third-placed Bordeaux, with PSG and Lyon occupying the top two spots.
Utaka will also be reunited with Nigerian international Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined Montpellier earlier this year.
Known for his calm leadership and attacking strategy, the former forward’s career spanned several countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey.
Fans are eager to see his blend of discipline, teamwork, and offensive flair take shape during the crucial final matches of the season.
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