Duckens Nazon, Haiti’s all-time leading goalscorer, narrowly escaped Iran after conflict erupted while he prepared to leave Tehran for Paris.
The 32-year-old striker had already boarded a plane at Tehran airport when a friend playing in Israel warned him that war alarms had started sounding.
Moments later, airport officials ordered passengers to leave the aircraft after authorities closed the airspace.
“That’s when survival mode started,” Nazon told Reuters.
Footballer Begins Dangerous Escape by Road
Nazon, who plays for Esteghlal FC, had planned to travel to Paris to secure a visa ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Instead, he began a dangerous road journey across Iran before eventually reaching Azerbaijan.
Fortunately, his wife and four children had already returned to Morocco after struggling to settle in Tehran.
Nazon later said that decision probably saved their lives.
Explosions and Chaos in Tehran
After authorities forced passengers off the plane, Nazon met teammate Munir El Haddadi, who also had to leave another flight.
Initially, Nazon wanted to leave the country immediately.
However, club officials first arranged transport for several foreign players.
While driving back toward Tehran, Nazon saw highways packed with people trying to flee the city.
Meanwhile, explosions struck nearby areas.
“We saw one strike about 100 metres away,” he recalled.
Long Journey to Azerbaijan
Communication problems made the situation even more difficult.
Nevertheless, Nazon briefly connected to the internet through a team security official’s phone.
During that short window, he contacted his family, arranged travel plans, and purchased an Azerbaijan e-SIM card.
He later said that decision helped him secure communication near the border.
After nearly 20 hours on the road, Nazon finally reached Azerbaijan.
Border officials initially stopped him because of paperwork issues.
However, he eventually contacted the French Embassy and his representatives to secure permission to cross.
Two days later, he boarded a flight to Paris.
Haiti Ends 52-Year World Cup Wait
Despite the traumatic experience, Nazon remains focused on Haiti’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
Haiti secured a place in the tournament after a 52-year absence.
The national team achieved qualification despite playing matches away from home because of ongoing gang violence in the country.
Nazon said he still struggles to fully process the achievement.
“I think I will realise it when I step onto the pitch for the World Cup,” he said.
‘We Are Not Scared of Anybody’
Haiti will face Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in the tournament.
However, Nazon insisted his team will compete without fear.
“We come humble, but also proud because we are Haitian,” he said.
Inspired by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário, Nazon hopes to score at the World Cup and make Haitians proud during a difficult period for the nation.
“It gives me goosebumps,” he said while speaking about representing Haiti on football’s biggest stage.
