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Boko Haram threat closes World Cup viewing venues

World Cup viewing centers were ordered to close in Nigeria's northeastern state of Adamawa due to a bomb threat by the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram.

By JC Finley
Nigerians in Adamawa state were unable to watch the World Cup opening match between Brazil and Croatia at viewing centers due to a bomb threat. (UPI/Chris Brunskill)
Nigerians in Adamawa state were unable to watch the World Cup opening match between Brazil and Croatia at viewing centers due to a bomb threat. (UPI/Chris Brunskill) | License Photo

ABUJA, Nigeria, June 13 (UPI) -- Nigerian officials in the northeastern state of Adamawa ordered World Cup viewing centers to close after receiving intelligence that Boko Haram was plotting bomb attacks.

Adamawa is a region often targeted by Boko Haram. On June 1, a suspected Boko Haram bombing killed at least 14 patrons at a bar in Adamawa who were watching a soccer game.

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In Borno State, also vulnerable to Boko Haram attacks and where some 200 school girls were abducted, soccer fans were targeted in a suspected Boko Haram bombing in March that left many dead.

In Nigeria, viewing centers are, for many, the only way to watch the national team, the Super Eagles, play.

The first match of the World Cup was played on Thursday between Brazil and Croatia. Nigeria's first match will be against Iran on June 16.

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