Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is confident that the deadly virus Ebola will not affect 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea next month.
The former Chelsea player says fearing the the virus has put fear in some of the players travelling for Africa's top-flight competition.
Fears of the virus forced Morocco, the original hosts of the competition, to pull out which resulted in the Confederation of African Football changing the venue of the tournament.
Ebola has affected Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia which prompted Morocco to pull out after 5,000 died after contracting the deadly disease.
Essien is certain that the virus will not affect the tournament which will host some of Africa's biggest football stars.
"They have had to change the venue. So if we can all join together to solve this problem I think it will be very good for Africa," Essien said.
"Some of the players will be a bit concerned. They will be a bit worried. But I think everything will be fine and I hope the Nations Cup will go on and we will have a fantastic tournament.
"We are crossing our fingers that the whole thing will go on and nothing will happen.
"They should feel safe in going and representing their countries. Hopefully the tournament will go on and we won't get any bad news."
Ghana pulled out of being replacements for Morocco over the fears of Ebola spreading in the West African country.