Liberia President and former World Footballer of the Year, George Weah, made a surprise return to international competition in Monrovia on Tuesday, playing in a 2-1 loss to Nigeria.

The match came up a few weeks short of his 52nd birthday and Liberia had arranged the friendly to retire the number 14 jersey made famous by Weah.

However, 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.

READ ALSO! THE MD/CEO LAGOS HAS SPOKEN! Lagosians react as plot to impeach Governor Ambode thickens

Media reports said Weah, who led the attack and showed glimpses of the class that made him a household name around the world.

He received a standing ovation from fans when he was substituted on 79 minutes.

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 Saint-Germain and Marseille in France, AC Milan in Italy.

He also played for English sides Manchester City and Chelsea.

Weah was 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 run-off win last December in Liberia’s presidential elections.

READ ALSO! BREAKING INTO PASSENGERS’ CHECKED IN LUGGAGE NOT ROMANTIC! Advise your staff to have small shame, Basketmouth begs NAHCO

(NAN)