It is still unclear exactly how many fans were victims of the bombing, as Nigeria has a history of underestimating the number of their dead and injured. According to a police officer and a nurse at the hospital where the victims were sent for treatment, there were at least 40 killed in the bombing.

"A key suspect in the terror bomb explosion that rocked Kabang community in Mubi, Adamawa state... has been arrested by troops who cordoned (off) the area in swift response to the explosion," defence spokesman Chris Olukolade told reporters.

The bomb was placed strategically targeting ordinary fans leaving the field after a local match. Muhammad Hassan, a Mubi resident who was at the match, said the blast appeared to come from within the crowd of people who were walking across the pitch and heading home after the final whistle adding that "women and children were caught up in the blast."

Almost instantaneously blamed for the attack was placed on Boko Haram, who have recently ramped up their violent campaign in the aftermath of the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls. Boko Haram are yet to make a statement taking credit for the attack.

The bombing took place in Adamawa, one of three northeastern states that have been under a state of emergency in attempts to stop the rising violence that has gripped the area since last May. However, it should also be noted that violence at football stadiums is common, as just last year in the Taraba state many were killed in clashes between Muslim club supporters and their Christian rivals.