ABUJA - An explosion hit a viewing center where a world cup match was being televised in Nigeria's northeastern state of Yobe on Tuesday night. Casualties remain unknown, local police said.

State police chief Sanusi Rufa'i confirmed the incident to Xinhua, saying the explosion occurred right outside a crowded viewing center in Damaturu, the capital of the northern province.

"Our men have been deployed to the scene, but it is too early to give details," he said.

Witnesses said the explosion was huge and dozens of people were affected. Rescue efforts were ongoing as of the time of filing this report and military officers had also arrived at the scene to cordon off the area.