"I don't generally agree with the system because there are teams that have been in and amongst the top three that have not even made the play-off final.
"It is a bit unfair and doesn't really reflect the true achievements of teams throughout the season," he says.
"But that is just the way it works - and I am definitely not going to turn the chance down."
Nigel has had a fast track to fame after leaving Wimbledon in January and coming to a high profile club where journalists even write about what cars are in the car park at Chadwell Heath, and he says:
"I couldn't imagine it at all; I have just been trying to concentrate on my football but at times you have to sit back and realise how fast, as a player, things have occurred.
"I am very happy and grateful for everything that has happened at West Ham so far - I am enjoying every minute of it.
"But I am not surprised where we are because I have always believed West Ham had the potential to get back - hopefully on Saturday we will prove that."
Does he feel, though, that stepping up to the Premiership this season might be too soon?
"Definitely not; I have always believed in my own ability and have always felt I was good enough to play in it," he says firmly.
As for the match itself, he adds:
"It should be a very open game; both teams know it is a one-off, there are no two legs, and you have to win - that is all that matters.
"No one really knows what is going to happen so everyone is just really excited.
"I am just looking forward to it as a one-off, exciting game and to a certain extent it is like an FA cup final - even bigger, because there is a lot at stake.
"It is a big achievement for both clubs, especially if West Ham get back at the first time of asking."