Thursday (23) of the Copa do Nordeste will mark the debut of Bahia’s main squad in 2025. After the pre-season in Girona, Spain, Rogério Ceni’s men will take the field against Sampaio Corrêa, at 8pm, on Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador, for the opening round of the regional competition.
Until then, only , with some professional athletes, had taken the field during the season. In three games for the Bahian Championship, the boys from the Esquadrão base accumulated two draws and one defeat.
Sampaio took to the field three times a year, all for the Maranhense Championship. Bolivia Querida won two wins and a draw, so they are undefeated this season.
How does Bahia arrive?
The coach will have practically all reinforcements available. Among the six athletes signed for 2025, only defender Santiago Mingo, officially presented this Wednesday (22), should not be listed.
Midfielder Erick, midfielders Rodrigo Nestor and Michel Araújo, and strikers Erick Pulga and Willian José, on the other hand, can be present on the Fonte Nova lawn.
The absences are left-back Iago Borduchi and defender Gabriel Xavier. The first is in the process of physical transition after recovering from injury; the second, in turn, feels pain in the knee.
How Sampaio Corrêa arrives
On Sampaio Corrêa’s side, coach Felipe Surian will not be able to count on striker Wendell, who showed muscle wear after the Maranhense Championship matches. Thiaguinho and Dodô compete for the position.
