A prominent player set to participate in the upcoming World Cup faced a terrifying situation as he witnessed a bomb explosion near him while fleeing Iran, which had been embroiled in conflict due to joint attacks by Israel and the United States, plunging the nation into war.
The recent conflict in Iran has resulted in over 1,000 casualties, with many individuals seeking safety by leaving the country. Among those who fled Iran amidst the bombings is Duckens Nazon, Haiti’s leading goal scorer of all time.
Nazon, a 31-year-old striker playing for Esteghlal in Iran, decided to return to his birthplace in France following the onset of the bombings after he had only joined the Iranian club the previous summer.
Reflecting on his harrowing experience, Nazon mentioned in an interview with RMC radio that he was physically unharmed but deeply affected by the tumultuous journey. He recalled being on a plane ready to take off for Istanbul when they were suddenly informed to disembark due to the commencement of bombings, closing off the airspace.
Accompanied by former Barcelona player Munir El Haddadi during their departure from Tehran, Nazon recounted witnessing a missile explosion while in a taxi returning to the city. The chaotic scene underscored the intensity of the war zone they were navigating.
After attempting to cross into Azerbaijan by minibus and encountering initial refusal from border guards, Nazon feared he might be compelled to return to Tehran. However, with the assistance of the French ambassador to Azerbaijan, he successfully reached Baku and subsequently returned to France.
As uncertainty looms over his return to Esteghal, Nazon expressed concerns about the lack of communication with his Iranian teammates who remained in the country due to the internet shutdown. He mentioned the challenges faced by fellow players like Munir El Haddadi and Moussa Djenepo as they navigated their paths out of Iran.
Nazon’s participation in the upcoming World Cup for Haiti, marking their second appearance in the tournament, is anticipated. The team is slated to compete against Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in Group C during the event in North America this summer.
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