Afobe arrived in West Yorkshire in November, making his debut from the bench in the memorable 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, after Town boss Lee Clark persuaded Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger (inset) that the Galpharm would be a great place for his development.
Clark had long been tracking the childhood West Ham supporter, who signed for Arsenal at six and played for their Under 16s as a 13-year-old.
His Gunners Under 18 debut came in 2008, when he also helped England Under 16s triumph in the Victory Shield tournament, when he matched Michael Owen’s record of four goals over the three games.
Afobe made his debut for Arsenal reserves at 16 years and four days, beating the record of Jack Wilshere.
And after being linked with the mighty Barcelona, he helped Arsenal win last season’s FA Premier Academy League title and England triumph in the European Under 17 Championships in Liechtenstein.
With him every step of the way have been his parents, with dad Ange, who fled war-torn Congo in 1990 and settled in England, a familiar sight at Town matches.
"They’ve been brilliant, always spurring me on, and my dad has only missed a handful of matches in my entire career," explained Afobe, who has a brother and two sisters.
"They have always been there for me. Mum can’t resist doing a bit of cooking and cleaning when she comes to visit me in Huddersfield – although I have to say I’m pretty tidy and I make a mean Spaghetti Bolognese! – and my dad doesn’t hold back when it comes to giving me advice!"
After early interruptions due to Arsenal recalls and injury, Afobe has become increasingly influential for Town, starting the last 10 games (taking his total appearances to 34) and reaching eight goals, including a double in last month’s 3-2 win at champions Brighton.
"When I first signed, I thought I’d only be here for a month, so to be preparing for a cup final at a place like Old Trafford is amazing," he added.
"Beating Bournemouth in the play-off semi-finals was definitely my career highlight so far, but hopefully there’s another to come against Peterborough.
"Bournemouth were really tough opponents, and we know we can expect more of the same from Peterborough, because they’re a very good side.
"But we’re a very good side as well, we’ve prepared really well, and we’re going there fully focused on winning promotion."
