Nigeria’s John Utaka bags managerial job in Europe

Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has been named the new head coach of French club Montpellier’s women’s team, replacing Frédéric Mendy.

According to French outlet Ouest France, the 43-year-old will share the role with Baptiste Merle until the end of the season, under the guidance of sporting director Jean-Louis Saez. His appointment makes him the only African head coach in France’s top women’s football league.

Utaka is a familiar face at Montpellier, having played a key role in the men’s team’s historic 2011–2012 Ligue 1 title win, scoring twice in the decisive final game. He returned to the club in 2020 to coach youth attackers and briefly managed the women’s side in 2021.

Since retiring in 2018, Utaka has focused on coaching, earning his UEFA A Licence in 2022 and working as assistant coach for Montpellier’s U19 men’s team.

Montpellier’s women are currently fifth in Division 1 with 27 points from 19 matches, 11 points behind third-placed Bordeaux. Utaka will also work with Nigeria’s Super Falcons striker Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined the team earlier this year.