Several Super Eagles legends have transitioned successfully into coaching roles and it could be the turn of an AFCON bronze medalist to make his mark in his second career
Former Nigeria international John Utaka has reportedly been appointed head coach of ASPTT Montpellier Féminin, Soccernet.ng understands.
According to France-based Nigerian journalist Ojora Babatunde, Utaka will lead Montpellier Women’s team into the 2025-26 league season.
The 42-year-old replaces Yannick Chandioux, who led the club to successive sixth-place finishes in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons.
The change in leadership signals Montpellier’s ambition to compete at a higher level in the French women’s top flight.
Utaka, who retired from professional football in 2020, has remained active in the game, earning his UEFA A Licence and working within Montpellier’s youth setup. He also briefly held the reins of the women’s team in an interim capacity five years ago.
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The former Super Eagles winger is well known in Montpellier circles, having played a key role in the club’s historic Ligue 1 triumph in 2012. Utaka famously scored twice in the final game of that season to seal a dramatic title win ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
Born in Enugu, Nigeria, Utaka played for clubs in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, including spells at Lens, Rennes, and Portsmouth, where he won the FA Cup in 2008.
Over his career, he made 496 club appearances, scoring 133 goals. He also earned 49 caps for Nigeria, scoring six goals, and featured at two FIFA World Cups and three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
The Egyptian Premier League topscorer in 2000, Utaka helped Nigeria win bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring an iconic winner against Cameroon in the knockout rounds.
Montpellier Féminin currently boast Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu in its ranks. Onumonu was part of the Nigerian squad that lifted the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations last month.
Utaka is also the founder of the John Utaka Football Academy in Minna, Nigeria, dedicated to nurturing young talent.