Former World Footballer of the Year George Weah rolled back the years with a surprise appearance for Liberia in their friendly with Nigeria - 16 years after his last international outing.

The 51-year-old, who was sworn in as president of the country in December last year after a landslide win, played 79 minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Nigeria on Tuesday.

The match was arranged by Liberia to retire the no 14 shirt made famous by Weah during his playing days. Fans were treated to the sight of the former AC Milan forward leading the national team onto the pitch before he showed glimpses of the talent which saw him named the 1995 World Footballer of the Year.

Weah, who also won the Ballon d'Or in the same year and remains the only African to win either award, was substituted to a standing ovation with 11 minutes remaining.

The striker made a name for himself in Europe after moving to Monaco in 1988 before also playing for Paris St Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City and Marseille.