Duckens Nazon recounts dramatic escape from Iran as Haiti prepare for historic World Cup return

Posted : 06 May 2026

Life has recently been a storm of extreme contrasts for Duckens Nazon — from celebrating a historic achievement with Haiti to narrowly escaping a dangerous conflict while playing club football in Iran.

The 32-year-old striker helped Haiti secure their first World Cup qualification since 1974, a milestone that has placed him at the centre of national pride. As Haiti’s all-time leading scorer with 44 goals in 76 appearances, he is now preparing for a landmark moment: facing Scotland in Haiti’s first World Cup match in over five decades.

Nazon’s club career has taken him across multiple countries and teams, including a spell in Scotland with St Mirren in 2019 and time at Coventry City. He currently plays for Tehran-based side Esteghlal, where his career was recently disrupted by escalating regional tensions.

Speaking on the Sacked in the Morning podcast, Nazon described how he was due to leave Iran when flights were abruptly halted as conflict broke out. He said passengers were removed from the aircraft for safety reasons just as he was preparing to depart.

While his wife from Morocco and their four children were safely in France, where he was born, Nazon found himself alone in a rapidly deteriorating situation. He later recalled witnessing explosions from a short distance while attempting to leave the country.

The striker spent nearly two days stranded at the border between Iran and Azerbaijan, facing repeated refusals and being sent back under difficult conditions. He even slept at the border during the ordeal.

A critical turning point came when a pre-purchased eSIM allowed him to regain internet access after connectivity was cut inside Iran. That connection enabled him to contact the French embassy, who then coordinated with Azerbaijani authorities to help secure his safe passage.

Reflecting on the experience, Nazon described how the situation would have been even more distressing had his family been with him, and credited quick thinking and luck for his survival and eventual escape.

Despite the trauma, he now turns his focus back to football and Haiti’s upcoming World Cup journey — a remarkable chapter following one of the most intense periods of his life.

Duckens Nazon recounts dramatic escape from Iran as Haiti prepare for historic World Cup return

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