Former Nigerian international John Utaka has taken a major step in his coaching journey after being named head coach of Montpellier’s women’s team, making history as the first African head coach in France’s top-flight women’s league.
The 43-year-old will share coaching responsibilities with Baptiste Merle for the remainder of the season, under the supervision of sporting director Jean-Louis Saez, according to reports from Ouest-France.
Utaka’s new role marks a personal and professional milestone. As a player, he was pivotal in Montpellier’s historic 2011–12 Ligue 1 title win, famously scoring twice in the final match to seal the club’s first-ever championship.
He returned to Montpellier in 2020 to work with the youth academy and briefly led the women’s side in 2021. Since retiring in 2018, Utaka has pursued a coaching career, obtaining his UEFA A Licence in 2022 and most recently serving as assistant coach for the club’s U19 men’s team.
Montpellier’s women’s team currently sits fifth in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points from 19 games—trailing third-place Bordeaux by 11 points, while PSG and Lyon dominate the top spots.
Utaka’s appointment also sets up a reunion with fellow Nigerian Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined the French club earlier this year. The pair bring Nigerian representation to the heart of French women’s football.
Renowned for his tactical acumen and attacking mindset, Utaka’s coaching philosophy blends discipline, teamwork, and offensive flair—qualities fans hope will reinvigorate Montpellier’s campaign as the season enters its final stretch.
As he steps into this groundbreaking role, Utaka’s journey from international footballer to trailblazing coach continues to inspire aspiring African coaches across the globe.
