Former Super Eagles forward, John Utaka has addressed questions surrounding his recent coaching appointment.
He confirmed that he has taken charge of ASPTT Montpellier Women Football Team, not Montpellier HSC Féminines.
Utaka explained his reasons for leaving Montpellier HSC, where he served as assistant and striker coach for nearly five seasons.
“The club was relegated to the second division, and at the end of my contract, I received an opportunity to be the main coach at another club. I felt it was time to implement my own philosophy and start my managerial career fully. When the chance came, I took it,” he said.
Clarifying the confusion over the two clubs’ names, Utaka noted, “ASPTT Montpellier is a different team from Montpellier HSC (Féminines), though both are based in the same region, which is why they share the name.”
He added that his experience working with female players at Montpellier HSC made transitioning to the women’s team seamless.
“During the second phase of the previous season, after the women’s team coach was sacked, I was called to assist the newly appointed head coach.”
Utaka also highlighted his past work with Super Falcons striker Ifeoma Onumonu during his time at Montpellier.
“We aim to reach the national level where we will compete against the country’s top teams. That is the challenge I accepted—to elevate the team beyond the regional level,” he concluded.
Utaka has officially taken charge of ASPTT Montpellier Women’s training sessions and started preseason ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
