Former Super Eagles striker, John Utaka, has been appointed the head coach of Montpellier’s women’s team in France, succeeding Frédéric Mendy.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that the 43-year-old Nigerian footballer will co-manage the side with Baptiste Merle for the remainder of the season, working under the supervision of Sporting Director, Jean-Louis Saez.

Utaka’s appointment marks a major milestone in his football career as he becomes the sole African head coach in France’s top-flight women’s league.

READ ALSO

Utaka shares a long-standing relationship with Montpellier. During his playing career, he was a key figure in the men’s team’s historic 2011–12 Ligue 1 victory, scoring twice in the decisive final game to secure the club’s maiden title.

He returned in 2020 as a youth team attacking coach and later had a short stint leading the women’s side in 2021.

Since retiring from professional football in 2018, he has devoted himself to coaching, obtaining his UEFA A Licence in 2022 and most recently serving as assistant coach for Montpellier’s U19 men’s squad.

Currently fifth in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points from 19 matches—11 points behind third-placed Bordeaux and trailing leaders PSG and Lyon—Montpellier’s women’s team presents Utaka with a fresh challenge.

The role also sees him reconnect with Nigerian international Ifeoma Onumonu, who signed for the club earlier this year.