John Utaka Takes Up Head Coaching Position at Female Football Club in France
John Utaka, the former Nigerian footballer, has taken on a new role as the head coach of ASPTT Montpellier's women's team in France. This marks his return to the club, having previously served as an interim coach in 2021 and as a youth team attacking coach in 2020.
Utaka, 43, earned his UEFA A coaching license in 2022, following his retirement from professional football in 2018. His coaching career reflects his broad international playing experience across Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey. He is known for his tactical expertise and player-centric style.
As a player, Utaka is remembered for his significant contribution to Montpellier's success. In the 2011-2012 season, he scored twice in the final match to secure the club's first championship, a feat that has endeared him to the club's fans.
In his new role, Utaka will share coaching duties with Baptiste Merle until the end of the season. As of August 2025, Montpellier's women's team is currently fifth in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points from 19 matches, 11 points behind third-placed Bordeaux.
Utaka is the only African head coach in France's top-tier women's league. He has shown interest in coaching Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the senior men’s national team, reflecting his ambition to coach at the highest international level.
There is no verified information linking John Utaka to basketball coaching achievements. Some unverified Instagram posts mentioning Olympic basketball coaching successes appear unrelated or mistakenly attributed to him.
[1] Montpellier Herault Sports Club - Official Website [2] French Football Federation - Official Website [3] Various unverified Instagram posts
In his new role as head coach, John Utaka is leading ASPTT Montpellier's women's team in France, a team that is currently fifth in Division 1 Féminine with 27 points from 19 matches. Despite his success in football, there is no verified information linking him to basketball coaching achievements.
