Duckens Nazon, Haiti’s all-time leading goalscorer, was about to depart from Tehran airport in early October 2023 when war erupted, forcing all passengers off his plane and closing Iranian airspace [1, 2]. "Everybody has to get off the plane. The war has started. The sky is closed," Nazon said about the sudden evacuation [1].
At the time, Nazon played for Tehran-based Esteghlal FC and was en route to Paris to obtain a visa for the FIFA World Cup, where Haiti will appear after a 52-year absence [1, 2]. Immediately after disembarking, Nazon began an improvised escape by road through a war zone toward Azerbaijan [1, 2].
He shared the journey with teammate Munir El Haddadi, who also had to leave a separate flight [1, 2]. Because one highway was blocked and bombings occurred nearby, the group avoided city entry and drove back toward Tehran on an alternate highway [1, 2]. During their trip, Nazon witnessed an explosion around 100 meters away. "We saw one strike 100 metres away. When you think about it after, it’s a bit, wow," he recalled [1].
Communication was limited, but Nazon managed a brief call to his family using a team security official’s phone, purchased an eSIM, and arranged a new flight from Azerbaijan with help from his wife [1, 2]. His driving escape across Iran lasted about 20 hours [1, 2].
Nazon is 32 years old and has a Moroccan wife and four children, who were in Morocco during his escape [1, 2]. He said he was relieved his family was not with him amid the fighting. "I’m so happy and glad my family was not with me at this moment. When you are alone, you can think quicker, and move faster," he said [2].
The war that forced Nazon’s evacuation began on October 7, 2023, closing the skies and causing airports in Tehran to suspend flights [1, 2]. Shortly after, Nazon’s 20-hour overland journey across Iran toward Azerbaijan took place amid active bombings [1, 2].
Nazon’s focus remains on joining his national team for the World Cup, marking Haiti’s first tournament appearance in over five decades.