Haiti's record-breaking striker Duckens Nazon has provided a chilling account of his forced evacuation from Iran, where he witnessed a bomb explosion "right next to him" amid the outbreak of war. The 31-year-old footballer, who plays for Iranian club Esteghlal, fled Tehran as the Middle Eastern nation faced joint attacks from Israel and the United States.
Chaotic Escape from a War Zone
Nazon described his "very eventful journey" to French radio station RMC, revealing he departed Iran just two and a half days before arriving in France. "I'm fine, but I'm very tired and shaken," he admitted, having left the capital as bombings commenced.
The striker was already aboard a plane bound for Istanbul when the crisis unfolded. "We had to disembark the plane urgently, and we were told that the airspace was closed because the bombings had begun," Nazon explained. Alongside former Barcelona forward Munir El Haddadi, he then attempted to return to Tehran by taxi.
Missile Explosion During Taxi Journey
It was during this taxi ride that Nazon experienced the war's immediate danger firsthand. "We saw a bombing right next to us. The missile had just exploded nearby," he recounted. "I thought to myself that there might not be another one in the next minute. It was truly a war zone."
Nazon described chaotic scenes on the highway: "To the right, there was smoke, and to the left, the entire highway was jammed because people were leaving Tehran while we were trying to get in. For us, traffic flowed smoothly, but for them, it was blocked for miles."
Border Challenges and Diplomatic Intervention
After escaping Tehran, Nazon faced further obstacles at the Azerbaijani border, where guards initially refused him entry. Fearing a return to the conflict zone, he received crucial assistance from the French ambassador to Azerbaijan, enabling his passage to Baku and eventual safe return to France.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports over 1,000 fatalities in the conflict, with numerous civilians fleeing Iran. Nazon's experience highlights the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding alongside the military confrontation.
Uncertain Future and Emotional Farewells
Nazon remains uncertain about returning to Esteghlal, revealing he has had no contact with teammates still in Iran due to internet blackouts at the club. "Except for the head of security who received [my message] but didn't reply," he noted, adding that El Haddadi managed to reach Madrid earlier.
The striker shared an emotional farewell with Malian international Moussa Djenepo, whom he described as "really like a brother to me." "It broke my heart when we said goodbye and he left in a van for Turkey while I was leaving for Azerbaijan," Nazon confessed, aware Djenepo also lacked proper visas.
World Cup Preparations Amid Turmoil
Despite the trauma, Nazon is expected to compete in this summer's World Cup, representing Haiti in only their second-ever tournament appearance. Haiti faces formidable opponents in Group C, including Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland.
Nazon's ordeal underscores how global conflicts can unexpectedly intersect with sports, forcing athletes into life-threatening situations far from the pitch. His account provides a stark reminder of the human cost of war, even for those accustomed to the spotlight of international competition.
