Omar Artan stepped off the plane in Mogadishu with one goal already locked in his mind: the 2030 World Cup.
The Somali referee had been banned from entering the United States, a development that could have dimmed anyone's ambitions. Instead, Artan returned home to a hero's welcome, met by supporters who clearly see his journey as far from over.
He has publicly vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup, turning what might have looked like a setback into a statement of intent. The crowd at home seems to believe him.
Originally published by BBC Africa.