Nigeria, who beat Senegal in the final two years ago, saw off their north African opponents 75-26 at the Dakar Arena to make the idea start in Group B.

Evelyn Akhator was a key figure in Bamako two years ago and indicated she could be a central figure in  the Senegal capital too with a 13-point performance, including 10 rebounds and three steals.

Nigeria are highly favoured to be the one automatic qualifier from Group B and can make certain of their knock-out spot by beating Cameroon on Tuesday (August 13).

Mozambique began their quest to finally break their Women's AfroBasket duck with a 55-29 win over Kenya in Group D.

Mozambique, runners-up in 1986, 2003 and 2013, led through all four quarters of their match against a Kenyan side appearing at these finals for the first time since 2013.

Tamara Seda top scored for Mozambique with 15 points, while Delma Zita also stood out with eight assists.

Mali also began their campaign in Group C with victory, beating two-time champions Angola 71-63 to start strongly in what has been subbed the "Group of Death".

Group C contains three former champions, however, it was 2007 winners Mali who got the best of 2011 and 2013 victors Angola.

Meiya Tirera was the stand-out for Mali, contributing 16 points and 12 rebounds on their way to potentially crucial victory in their pool, while Angola must try to recover in tomorrow's clash with three-time former winners DR Congo.

In the late game, hosts and favourites Senegal began their quest for a 13th Women's AfroBasket title with victory over Ivory Coast in Group A.

Senegal made a nervous start and trailed 18-5 at the end of the first quarter, however they turned on the style with 50 points across the subsequent two periods to which Ivory Coast had no answer.

They will win the group with victory over Egypt on Tuesday.