Former Nigeria international John Utaka has been appointed the new 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 work alongside Baptiste Merle until the end of the current season, with both operating under the guidance of sporting director Jean-Louis Saez.
The move marks a historic milestone, as Utaka is now the only African head coach in France’s top-flight women’s football.
Utaka shares a deep bond with Montpellier, having played a pivotal role in the club’s 2011–12 Ligue 1 triumph. In a memorable finale, he scored twice on the last day of the season to secure the club’s first-ever league title.
After retiring from professional football in 2018, Utaka transitioned into coaching, earning his UEFA A Licence in 2022.
He returned to Montpellier in 2020 as a youth team attacking coach, briefly took charge of the women’s team in 2021, and most recently served as assistant coach for the men’s U19 side.
Montpellier’s women’s team currently sits fifth in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points from 19 matches—11 points behind third-placed Bordeaux, while PSG and Lyon lead the table.
Utaka’s appointment also reunites him with Nigerian international forward Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined the club earlier this year.
Known for his calm leadership style and attacking brand of football, Utaka enjoyed a playing career that spanned Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey.
Fans will be eager to see how his tactical approach and motivational drive influence Montpellier’s push in the final stretch of the campaign.
