He's tipping England to win the World Cup, and break a 44-year drought.
As the All Whites assemble in Auckland ahead of their match against Australia in Melbourne on Monday, Nelsen was sticking by his bold tip for next month's tournament in South Africa.
"My final is England-Spain or England-Brazil. I just think it's England's time. Everyone laughs at me when I say it," Nelsen told NZPA.
"It's going to be played in winter, it could be wet, and they're conditions that England thrive in. Every other World Cup has been played in hot, humid conditions and England notoriously aren't very good in it.
"They're my dark horses to win it. I really hope England go all the way. Because I live there and have a lot of English friends I'd like them to do well."
The Blackburn defender said star striker Wayne Rooney's presence, fully fit, was "obviously" the key to England's chances.
As for potential player-of-the-tournament, Nelsen said there were a host of contenders.
"There's always the obvious ones like Xavi of Spain, he's an incredible player, Torres if he's fit from his knee, Ronaldo...generally there's some that you've never heard of who come through and look fantastic."
But the striker Nelsen is looking forward most to facing on June 25 (NZT) is his good mate from Paraguay, Roque Santa Cruz, who he played alongside at Blackburn but now plies his trade with Manchester City after being signed for Stg18 million ($NZ37.46 million).
There's also a hint of good-natured jealousy in the All Whites skipper's voice as he discusses the player he rates one of the most dangerous strikers in world football.
"He's the best looking man I've ever seen in my life, the bugger. He's six-foot-four, speaks five languages, plays the guitar. He walks into a room and my wife starts drooling... He's a great guy," Nelsen said.
