Former Super Eagles forward, John Utaka, has been appointed head coach of Montpellier’s women’s team in France, succeeding outgoing manager Frédéric Mendy.
According to French outlet Ouest-France, the 43-year-old will share managerial duties with Baptiste Merle for the remainder of the season, under the supervision of sporting director Jean-Louis Saez.
The appointment marks a historic milestone, as Utaka becomes the only African head coach in France’s top-tier women’s football league.
Utaka’s ties to Montpellier date back to his playing days, when he played a pivotal role in the men’s team’s 2011–12 Ligue 1 triumph, scoring twice in the decisive final match to secure the club’s first-ever championship.
He later returned in 2020 as an attacking coach for the youth side and briefly managed the women’s team in 2021.
Since retiring in 2018, the former Nigerian international has built an impressive coaching résumé, earning his UEFA A Licence in 2022 and serving most recently as assistant coach of Montpellier’s U19 men’s team.
His latest assignment comes with Montpellier sitting fifth in Division 1 Féminine, on 27 points after 19 matches—11 points behind third-placed Bordeaux. PSG and Lyon occupy the top two spots.
Utaka will also work with Nigerian forward Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined Montpellier earlier this year.
Known for his composed leadership and attacking style, Utaka enjoyed a distinguished career across Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey
