Former Super Eagles striker John Utaka has been unveiled as the new head coach of Montpellier HSC’s women’s side, succeeding outgoing manager Frederic Mendy.
Utaka will work alongside Baptiste Merle as co-manager for the remainder of the season, with both receiving strategic direction from sporting director Jean-Louis Saez. His appointment marks a historic moment, as he becomes the only African currently managing in France’s top-flight women’s league.
The Nigerian has a long-standing bond with Montpellier. As a player, he played a decisive role in helping the men’s team secure the 2011–2012 Ligue 1 title, famously scoring twice in the decisive match that sealed the club’s first-ever championship. He returned to the club in 2020 as an attacking coach for the youth side and briefly took charge of the women’s team in 2021.
After retiring from professional football in 2018, the Enugu-born star committed himself fully to coaching. He earned his UEFA A Licence in 2022 and most recently served as assistant coach of Montpellier’s U-19 men’s team.
Utaka takes over at a crucial point in the campaign, with the women’s team currently fifth in Division 1 on 27 points from 19 games—11 points adrift of third-placed Girondins Bordeaux. Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyon occupy the top two spots. His new role will also see him reunite with Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champion and Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined Montpellier earlier in the year.
Celebrated for his calm leadership style and attacking mindset, Utaka’s football journey has taken him through Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey. Supporters will be keen to see how his mix of discipline, teamwork, and offensive creativity influences the team’s push in the final stretch of the season.
What You Should Know
John Utaka, former Super Eagles forward, has been appointed co-manager of Montpellier HSC women’s team alongside Baptiste Merle until the end of the season, becoming the only African coach in France’s top women’s league.
He has a deep history with the club, winning the men’s Ligue 1 title in 2011–2012 and working in various coaching roles since 2020. The team is currently fifth in the league, 11 points away from a Champions League qualification spot.
