April 27, (THEWILL) – John Chukwudi Utaka, former Portsmouth player and Nigeria’s top scorer, with 49 caps in the 1999-2000 Egyptian League, has expressed his interest in coaching any of Nigeria’s national teams.
The 41-year-old, who played for 13 clubs across three continents before retiring to a coaching position in France, sees this as a chance to give back to his homeland. Utaka started his academy and became the assistant coach for the Montpellier U19s in 2020, and he earned his UEFA A licence in 2022. He is currently working towards earning his UEFA Pro badge.
“If the opportunity comes to coach Nigeria in the near future, that is something I would love to embrace as well because that is another way to give back and show your experience with your own country as well”, Utaka said recently.
Utaka’s quick legs and pace made him a useful winger in his playing career, which could contribute to his approach as a coach. He also has aspirations to become the first African coach to win the UEFA Champions League.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
