Nigeria booked their last four place with a 79-40 victory against DR Congo ©FIBA

Nigeria progressed to the semi-finals of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women's AfroBasket tournament in Dakar with a commanding victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The reigning champions knew they would have a physical battle at the Dakar Arena in Senegal and DR Congo did not disappoint.

Nigeria forged ahead 22-9 at the end of the first quarter and had the match all but sown up with a 38-15 half-time lead.

Ezinne Kalu was influential with 17 points as they pressed on in the second half to secure a 79-46 triumph.

They are now due to meet Mali in the semi-finals after they defeated Ivory Coast 60-51.

Touty Gandega played a crucial role for Mali, contributing 15 points for the 2017 bronze medallists.

Safiétou Kolga of Ivory Coast vies for possession in her side's defeat to Mali in Dakar ©FIBA
Safiétou Kolga of Ivory Coast vies for possession in her side's defeat to Mali in Dakar ©FIBA

Mozambique, who finished fourth two years ago, ensured their place in the last four with an 80-66 victory against Egypt.

Hosts Senegal await after they defeated Angola 88-54 in the last of the quarter-finals.

Yacine Diop and Mame-Marie Sy-Diop were the key protaganists with 14, and 12 points, respectively.

All four semi-finalists have ensured their place in the African Olympic qualifying tournament.

Two additional places are up for grabs for the losing quarter-finalists, with the teams finishing fifth and sixth also progressing to the Tokyo 2020 qualifier.