Photo caption: John Utaka
Former Nigeria International, John Utaka, has been named the new head coach of Montpellier’s women’s side in France, taking over from outgoing manager, Frédéric Mendy.
French outlet Ouest-France reports that the 43-year-old will share coaching duties with Baptiste Merle until the end of the current campaign, with both working closely under the guidance of sporting director, Jean-Louis Saez.
The appointment is a milestone for Utaka, making 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 reunite with Nigerian international Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined Montpellier earlier this year.
Known for his composed leadership and attacking philosophy, the former forward enjoyed a career spanning Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey. Supporters will be eager to see his blend of discipline, teamwork, and offensive flair take shape in the crucial run-in to the season.
