By Akinwale Kasali
John Utaka, former Super Eagles forward, has been appointed Head Coach of Montpellier’s Women Football Team in France’s top-tier Division 1 Féminine.
The landmark appointment of the 43-Year-old former Lens Football Club players, makes him the only African currently managing a team in France’s Elite Women’s League.
Utaka, who previously starred for Montpellier’s men’s team during their historic 2011-2012 Ligue 1 title win, returns to the club’s technical staff after serving as assistant coach for their U-19 men’s side.
He will share coaching responsibilities with Baptiste Merle under Sporting Director Jean-Louis Saez.
The ex-forward brings continental experience to the role, having briefly managed the women’s team in 2021 before completing his UEFA A Licence in 2022.
His appointment reunites him with Super Falcons striker, Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined Montpellier earlier this year.
Montpellier is currently fifth in the league, and will be looking up to Utaka’s attacking pedigree – horned during his playing days across Six countries – to close the 11-point gap to third-placed, Girondins Bordeaux Female Team.
The Nigerian legend’s extensive European experience positions him uniquely to develop the team’s emerging talents.
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