Former Super Eagles striker John Utaka has taken charge of Montpellier HSC’s women’s team, stepping in alongside Baptiste Merle after the departure of Frederic Mendy.
The appointment makes Utaka the only African head coach in France’s top-tier women’s league — a significant milestone in his post-playing career.
Utaka’s link to Montpellier runs deep. He famously scored twice in the final match of the 2011–12 Ligue 1 season to deliver the club’s first-ever French title. Since retiring in 2018, the 43-year-old has earned his UEFA A Licence and built his coaching experience with Montpellier’s youth and women’s teams.
The women’s side currently sits fifth in Division 1 on 27 points after 19 matches, trailing third-placed Bordeaux by 11 points, with PSG and Lyon dominating the top spots.
Utaka will also link up with Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined the club earlier this year.
Known for his calm leadership and attacking style, Utaka’s playing career took him from Nigeria to Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey. Now, Montpellier fans are eager to see whether he can inspire a late-season push with a mix of discipline, teamwork, and attacking flair.
