John Utaka Named Head Coach of Montpellier Féminines After Frédéric Mendy’s Exit
Story written (by SpringnewsNG Media Limited): August 8,2025
Former Super Eagles Star John Utaka Appointed Head Coach of Montpellier Féminines
Former Nigeria international John Utaka has been officially appointed as the head coach of Montpellier Féminines, a top-flight women’s football club competing in the French D1 Arkema League.
Utaka replaces Frédéric Mendy, the Senegalese tactician who was recently dismissed following a disappointing run of results with the club.
The 43-year-old will be supported in his new role by assistant coaches Baptiste Marie and Jean-Louis Saez as Montpellier aims to revive its form ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
Utaka is no stranger to Montpellier, having played for the club between 2011 and 2013. During his time there, he made a significant impact, helping Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title in the 2011/2012 season—the first in the club’s history.
After retiring from professional football, Utaka transitioned into coaching and was appointed as the youth team coach at Montpellier in 2020, where he played a key role in talent development.
Internationally, Utaka had a stellar career with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, earning 48 caps and scoring six goals. He featured at two FIFA World Cups (2002 and 2010) and was part of the squad that clinched third place at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
His appointment marks a significant step forward for African representation in European women’s football, and fans will be eager to see how Utaka brings his playing and coaching experience to bear in this new leadership roleWritten by SpringnewsNG Media Limited
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