The Congolese side had no answer to Nigeria who are seeking to win a fourth successive title.

Nigeria quickly established a 22-8 lead and did not look back as they continued to assert their dominance on the Group D match at the BK Arena in the Rwandan capital.

Elizabeth Balogun and Ifunaya Okoro were the star performers for Nigeria, rattling in 11 points each, while Sarah Ogoke and Olaoluwatomi Oluwayemisi Taiwo both scored 10 points.

"It’s our first win with this young team," said Ogoke.

"We'll continue to improve throughout the tournament.

"We have to give credit to DR Congo.

"They are a good team and they played a very physical game.

"They played well but we were able to take in the pressure.

"Now, we're going to focus on our next game, against Egypt."

Hosts Rwanda delighted the home crowd by registering an impressive 64-35 victory over Ivory Coast in their Group A opener.

Destiney Promise Philoxy rattled in 18 points while Janai Crooms Robertson also played an influential role in the win, scoring 11 points.

Mali, who lost to Nigeria in the 2021 final, produced a commanding display to defeat Uganda 80-66.

Djeneba N'Diaye top scored with 25 points as Mali proved too strong for Uganda despite the best efforts of Jannon Otto who amassed 19 points and seven rebounds in the Group C clash.

Arguably the best match of the day took place in Group B as Cameroon edged Mozambique 55-53.

Mozambique are considered as one of the title challengers but they came up short against Cameroon.

Monique Makani was the match winner with a three-point jump shot in the closing eight seconds.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.