George Weah plays against Nigeria at 51

Liberian president and former World Footballer of the Year George Weah made a surprise return to international competition in Monrovia, capital of Liberia, on Tuesday, playing in a 2-1 loss to Nigeria a few weeks short of his 52nd birthday.

Liberia had arranged the friendly to retire the No.14 jersey made famous by Weah but fans were in for a shock when, 16 years after his last international appearance, the striker led the national team onto the pitch wearing it instead.

Media reports said Weah, who led the attack and showed glimpses of the class that made him a household name around the world, received a standing ovation from fans when he was substituted in the 79th minute.

Goals from Henry Onyekuru and Simeon Nwankwo helped Nigeria to a 2-0 lead before the hosts pulled one back through a Kpah Sherman penalty late in the game.

Weah enjoyed a career in Europe spanning nearly a decade and a half that saw him play for Monaco, Paris SaintGermain and Marseille in France, AC Milan in Italy and English sides Manchester City and Chelsea.

As well as being named the 1995 World Footballer of the Year, he also won the Ballon d’Or in the same year and remains the only African to win either award.

Weah’s popularity from his playing career saw him secure a landslide runoff win last year in Liberia’s presidential elections. He sworn in as president in January.