Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has been named the new head coach of Montpellier HSC’s women’s team, succeeding outgoing manager Frédéric Mendy.
Utaka will share coaching responsibilities with Baptiste Merle for the remainder of the season, under the oversight of sporting director Jean-Louis Saez.
His appointment marks a historic milestone, making Utaka the only African manager currently in France’s top-tier women’s league.
Utaka’s ties to Montpellier run deep. During his playing days, the 43-year-old was a key figure in the club’s historic 2011–2012 Ligue 1 title win, scoring twice in the decisive final match that secured the team’s first-ever league championship.
He returned to the club in 2020 as an attacking coach for the youth academy and briefly took charge of the women’s side in 2021. Since hanging up his boots in 2018, the Enugu-born former international has been committed to coaching, earning his UEFA A Licence in 2022. Most recently, he served as assistant coach of Montpellier’s U-19 men’s team.
Utaka now steps into a pivotal role with the women’s team currently sitting fifth in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points from 19 matches—11 points adrift of third-placed Bordeaux. Powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyon occupy the top two spots.
His return also sees him reunited with Super Falcons forward and WAFCON winner Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined the club earlier this year.
Renowned for his calm leadership and attacking mindset, Utaka enjoyed a storied playing career across Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey.
Montpellier fans will be watching closely as he brings his trademark discipline, teamwork, and offensive flair to the touchline in what promises to be a crucial end to the campaign.
