Frédéric Mendy, the departing manager of Montpellier's women's team in France, has been replaced as head coach by former Nigerian international John Utaka. The 43-year-old and Baptiste Merle will split coaching responsibilities until the end of the current season, according to French publication Ouest-France. The two will collaborate closely under Jean-Louis Saez, the athletic director.
Utaka's appointment marks a significant milestone as he becomes the sole African head coach in France's premier women's league.
Utaka has a long history with Montpellier.
He played a key role in the men's team winning the 2011–12 Ligue 1 championship, scoring twice in the decisive game to give the squad its first-ever title.
After returning in 2020 as an offensive coach for the young squad, he temporarily served as the women's team manager in 2021.
Utaka has devoted his life to coaching since hanging up his boots in 2018. He obtained his UEFA A Licence in 2022 and most recently worked as the assistant coach for Montpellier's U19 men's team.
His new assignment comes as Montpellier's women's squad is now 11 points behind third-place Bordeaux in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points after 19 games. The top two slots are occupied by PSG and Lyon.
Ifeoma Onumonu, a Nigerian international who joined Montpellier earlier this year, will also be reunited with Utaka.
The former forward, who played in Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey, was well-known for his calm leadership and aggressive style. In the final stretch of the season, fans will be watching closely to see how his combination of discipline, collaboration, and offensive flair develops.
