John Utaka, a former Nigerian international and celebrated figure at Montpellier, has been named the new head coach of the club’s women’s team. He succeeds Frédéric Mendy, who is stepping down from the role.
The 43-year-old will share coaching responsibilities with Baptiste Merle for the remainder of the season, and both will report to sporting director Jean-Louis Saez.
This appointment marks a significant moment for African football, as the former Lens player becomes the only African head coach in France’s top-tier women’s league.
The ex-Sedan player is no stranger to success at Montpellier, having famously scored two goals in the final match of the 2011-12 season to lead the men’s team to their first-ever Ligue 1 championship.
After retiring from playing in 2018, he embarked on a coaching career. He previously served as the club’s youth team attacking coach in 2020 and had a brief stint managing the women’s side in 2021.
Also Read: https://theportcitynews.com/2025/08/09/lets-make-history-together-ndidi-to-besiktas-fans/
Utaka earned his UEFA A license in 2022 and most recently served as the assistant coach for Montpellier’s U19 men’s team.
He inherits a team currently in fifth place in Division 1 Féminine, with 27 points from 19 matches. They are 11 points behind third-placed Bordeaux, while powerhouses PSG and Lyon hold the top two spots.
This new position also means a reunion with Nigerian international Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined Montpellier earlier this year.
